Panda Mang Can Can (Mang Xiaowu): The Public Safety Ambassador

If you’re a fan of the most dazzling, playful pandas, Mang Can Can (莽灿灿/Mangcancan) will steal your heart! Born in July 2023 at Chongqing Zoo, this adorable cub already has a name that reflects the brilliance of his future. As the fifth cub of his mother, Mang Zai, Mang Can Can’s journey has been filled with milestones, including a public naming campaign and a memorable birthday celebration. His curious nature and growing charm have already made him a star!

Basic Information

Name: Mang Can Can (莽灿灿)
Meaning of the Name: Magnificent and Splendid
Nickname: Mang Xiao Wu (莽小五/Mang Xiaowu/The Fifth of Mang Family)
Date of Birth: July 6, 2023
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Chongqing Zoo
Mother: Mang Zai (莽仔)
Siblings: Xi Xi (喜喜), Qing Qing (庆庆), Xing Xing (星星), Chen Chen (辰辰)

Life Experience of Panda Mang Can Can

Naming Ceremony: Mang Can Can’s journey began in July 2023 when he was born as part of a litter at Chongqing Zoo. As part of his early milestones, the zoo launched a public naming campaign for him on October 13, 2023, when he turned 100 days old. A total of 6,142 people participated in the campaign, submitting 2,021 names for the panda cub. The name “Mang Can Can” (莽灿灿) won with 13,072 votes, chosen for its meaning and symbolism.

Meaning of the Name: The name “Can Can” refers to brightness and radiance, reflecting the hope that Mang Can Can will have a brilliant future. This name also complements his siblings’ names – Xing Xing (星星, meaning “Stars”) and Chen Chen (辰辰, meaning “Constellations”) – forming a poetic phrase that symbolizes a “bright starry future” for the cubs. Additionally, Mang Can Can is affectionately known as “Mang Xiao Wu” (莽小五), meaning “Little Fifth,” as he is the fifth cub of his mother, Mang Zai.

Adopted by Changan Qiyuan: In May 2024, Chongqing Zoo reached a significant milestone by establishing a lifelong adoption agreement for Mang Can Can with Changan Qiyuan, a prominent Chinese automotive brand.

First Birthday Celebration: On July 6, 2024, Mang Can Can celebrated his first birthday, marking a key milestone in his life. To honor this special day, Chongqing Zoo and Changan Qiyuan hosted a birthday party and “zhuazhou” ceremony, a traditional Chinese ritual where babies are given symbolic objects to predict their future. During the event, Changan Qiyuan also officially joined the “Chongqing Youth Panda Protection Program,” a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting panda conservation and environmental protection.

Health Status: At the end of August 2024, Mang Can Can’s caretakers noticed some hair loss around his eye area. By September 7, the condition worsened, and white patches became visible. The zoo’s veterinary team began treatment, though the exact cause of the hair loss was not immediately clear. By September 13, there were no visible signs of improvement, and the zoo confirmed they were closely monitoring his condition. Despite this issue, Mang Can Can’s overall health remains strong, and his eating habits, energy levels, and behavior have not shown any abnormalities.

Public Safety Ambassador: On December 1, 2024, Mang Can Can was appointed as the “Public Safety Ambassador” for the 122nd National Traffic Safety Day in Chongqing, where he joined forces with the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Chongqing Zoo, and Changan Qiyuan to advocate for safe and civilized travel

Injury: On the morning of March 3, 2025, giant panda Mang Can Can injured its right hind limb while playing with its mother, resulting in lameness and an inability to bear weight. A clinical examination by veterinarians revealed swelling around the right ankle, though there was no obvious pain. The initial diagnosis was an ankle sprain. Treatment includes oral blood circulation – activating and pain – relieving medication, along with topical spray application. After receiving treatment, Mang Can Can showed significant improvement, with no abnormalities in food intake.