Born on July 26, 2014, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Mao Sun (毛笋) is a remarkable female giant panda whose journey from China to Denmark has made her a beloved figure in the world of wildlife conservation. Known for her robust personality and spirited demeanor, Mao Sun has captivated hearts both at home and abroad. As an ambassador for giant panda conservation, her story reflects the collaborative efforts of international communities to protect and preserve this endangered species.
Basic Information
- Name: Mao Sun (毛笋)
- Gender: Female
- Studbook Number: 919
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2014, at 13:07
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 181.2 grams
- Mother: Mao Mao (毛毛)
- Father: Male panda Xiong Bang (雄浜) (a returned overseas panda)
- Twin Brother: Mao Zhu (毛竹)
- Current Residence: Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark (since April 4, 2019)
Growth and Development
Mao Sun was born alongside her twin brother Mao Zhu, with a birth weight of 181.2 grams. Despite being slightly heavier at birth, her brother grew faster initially. By about 20 days old, Mao Zhu weighed 636.2 grams, and Mao Sun weighed 645.8 grams. Nicknamed “Mao Mei” during her early days, she was officially named Mao Sun on November 20, 2014, following a global naming campaign.
In September 2014, the Chengdu Research Base launched the world’s first live-streaming event showcasing the growth of giant pandas, which ran for three months. During the global broadcast on September 6, Mao Mei’s right eye began to open. By September 9, her left eye was fully open, and on September 10, she opened both eyes and began to crawl around her bed.
On June 26, 2015, Mao Sun moved to Panda Valley with her mother Mao Mao and brother Mao Zhu to participate in wilderness training. This training was designed to prepare them for potential release into the wild by developing their survival skills.
By November 17, 2016, Mao Sun began living independently at the Chengdu Research Base, next to the juvenile panda yard. This marked a significant milestone in her development, as she adapted to a solitary lifestyle away from her family.
On April 4, 2019, Mao Sun, along with another panda named Xing Er, was transferred to the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark. This move was part of a collaborative effort between China and Denmark to promote panda conservation and symbolize the friendship between the two nations.
Personality Traits
Mao Sun is known for her somewhat impatient temperament. She has a larger appetite compared to her brother and enjoys sleeping in close proximity to other panda cubs. Her physical strength is notable, especially in her limbs, earning her the reputation of a “tough girl” among panda caretakers. Mao Sun’s robust and assertive nature sets her apart from her peers.
Notable Events
Outdoor Adventure at Panda Valley
On July 20, 2015, after a morning exercise session, the pandas at the rewilding center were gradually moved indoors to air-conditioned rooms. However, Mao Sun, who had just arrived at the center, seemed to prefer the outdoor environment. She was found sleeping on a tree branch in the outdoor activity area, ignoring the calls of the staff. Despite the shade provided by the tree, the staff worried about her overheating. Eventually, they resorted to using her favorite food as a lure. After several attempts, Mao Sun finally climbed down from the tree to escape the heat.
Photobombing the Panda Photo Session
On January 20, 2017, at 10:30 AM, the Chengdu Research Base gathered 23 panda cubs born in 2016 for a group photo. Caretakers held the cubs in formation to spell out “2017,” sending New Year’s greetings to people worldwide. During the photo shoot, sharp-eyed reporters noticed an unexpected panda high up in a nearby tree. It was Mao Sun, born in July 2014. She had climbed the tree and successfully photobombed the session, becoming the star of the event.
