Imagine a panda whose life has been a journey across continents and milestones – this is Mei Sheng (美生/Meisheng). Born in San Diego Zoo, he made history as the first male giant panda in the U.S. born through natural mating. With his unique backstory and countless relocations, Mei Sheng’s life has been full of adventures. Now at 20, he’s embracing the peaceful retirement he truly deserves in China, after years of captivating the world.
Basic Information
- Name: Mei Sheng (美生)
- Meaning of the Name: Born in America and Happy Life
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 563
- Date of Birth: August 19, 2003
- Place of Birth: San Diego Zoo, USA
- Mother: Bai Yun (白云)
- Father: Gao Gao (高高)
- Siblings: Hua Mei (华美), Su Lin (苏琳), Zhen Zhen (珍珍), Yun Zi (云子), Xiao Li Wu (小礼物)
Life Experience of Panda Mei Sheng
Birth and Early Life: On August 19, 2003, Mei Sheng was born at the San Diego Zoo, making him the first male giant panda born in the U.S. through natural mating.
Return to China: On November 7, 2007, Mei Sheng was accompanied by his caretakers back to China, where he was initially housed at the Wolong Walnut Grove Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center.
Relocations: Over the years, Mei Sheng experienced several relocations, including moves to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, the Wolong Shenshuping Base, and the Dujiangyan Base.
Move to Chimelong: On March 14, 2017, Mei Sheng traveled to the Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park for a temporary assignment.
Move to Nanjing: On August 26, 2019, he returned to the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center and subsequently moved to the Nanjing Tangshan Ziqinghu Wild Animal World on August 28.
Retirement: Most recently, on August 21, 2023, Mei Sheng, now 20 years old, flew to Sichuan and arrived at the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, where he began a new chapter in his retirement life.