Panda lovers, get ready to fall head over heels for Mei Mei (美美/Meimei)! With her irresistibly adorable features and gentle nature, this little panda has captured the hearts of many. Born into an exceptional lineage, she represents the future of panda conservation, blending beauty and playfulness in every move. Whether she’s cuddling her cherished red ball or becoming a loving mother, Mei Mei’s charm is as unforgettable as her journey.
Basic Information
- Name: Mei Mei (美美)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 25, 2018
- Birthplace: Walnut Flat Wild Training Base, China Giant Panda Conservation Research Center
- Lineage Number: 1143
- Mother: Cao Cao (草草)
- Twin Brother: He He (和和)
- Siblings: Wu Yang (武阳), Tao Tao (淘淘), Hua Hu (华虎), Hua Jiao (华姣)
Intriguing Details of Panda Mei Mei
Birth and Naming: Mei Mei was born on July 25, 2018, at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. Her name comes from the panda guitarist “Mei Mei” in the animated film Animal Choir, representing beauty and the harmony of music.
Precious Lineage: Mei Mei is one of the first twin giant pandas born and raised successfully through the captive panda wild breeding project. She was also featured in the Guinness World Records 2021 Hall of Fame. According to the research center, as an essential addition to the wild gene pool, Mei Mei will not be released into the wild but will remain under artificial captive care for protection.
Childhood: Mei Mei’s mother, Cao Cao, took care of her and her twin brother for only five months before returning to wild breeding efforts. Mei Mei and her brother grew up in the panda kindergarten, where she was classmates with Tian Bao (天宝) and Can Can (璨璨). Mei Mei was known for her gentle and affectionate personality, and her keepers often said she was their favorite.
Appearance: Due to her relatively short arms, legs, and even her head and ears, Mei Mei earned the endearing nickname “Wuduan Mei Mei,” which means “short and cute Mei Mei.” Mei Mei’s short limbs became even more noticeable after she gave birth. When she held her cub to nurse, her two paws could not even close together.
Devotion to Her Toy: At nine months old, Mei Mei loved playing with a small red ball. Even five months later, at 14 months old, she was still inseparable from it, often seen chewing or playing with the same red ball. The fading color of the ball over time became a testament to how much it had been loved and played with.
Becoming a Mother: In 2024, Mei Mei successfully gave birth to her first cub. However, the name of the cub has not yet been announced.
