Panda Meng Meng (萌萌) is a remarkable female panda known for being part of a unique and historic event in the panda world. Born as one of the only surviving panda triplets in the world, Meng Meng has captured the hearts of many since her birth. Her life has been filled with significant milestones, from growing up with her siblings in the care of dedicated experts to eventually becoming a mother herself. Meng Meng’s story is a testament to the extraordinary care and attention given to giant pandas, contributing to their survival and continued presence in the world.
Basic Information
- Name: Meng Meng (萌萌)
- Gender: Female
- Studbook Number: 921
- Date of Birth: July 29, 2014
- Place of Birth: Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
- Mother: Ju Xiao (菊笑)
- Father: Lin Lin (琳琳)
- Triplet Brothers: Shuai Shuai (帅帅), Ku Ku (酷酷)
- Siblings: Cai Yun (彩云), Zhao Yang (朝阳)
Intriguing Details of Panda Meng Meng
A Relaxed Mother: According to the keepers, Meng Meng is a rather easygoing mother. Unlike other panda moms who stay close to their cubs at all times, she prefers to have some time to herself, only occasionally lifting her head to check on them. Even if she momentarily loses sight of her cub, she doesn’t worry. It seems that because Meng Meng was raised by keepers from a young age (as her mother, Ju Xiao, didn’t have the energy to care for all the three), she trusts them to take good care of her cub, Mei Zhu.
Meng Meng sometimes gets excited and deliberately sits in front of visitors, holding up Mei Zhu to show her off, as if saying, “Look at my beautiful daughter.” However, after just a few seconds, she becomes impatient and tosses Mei Zhu aside. She has even received complaints because of this.
Life Experience of Panda Meng Meng
Birth and Early Life: Meng Meng was born on July 29, 2014, in Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park, alongside her brothers Shuai Shuai and Ku Ku. Together, they became the world’s only set of panda triplets to all survive. At the time of their birth, their mother Ju Xiao was exhausted from the delivery and unable to care for the cubs. The three newborns were quickly placed in an incubator for care. Upon examination, it was determined that the first cub weighed 90.5 grams, the second weighed 83 grams, and the third, Meng Meng, weighed 124.4 grams.
Naming Ceremony: On December 15, 2014, the names of the panda triplets were revealed at an official ceremony in Guangzhou. The triplets were named Meng Meng, Shuai Shuai, and Ku Ku. Renowned pianist Li Yundi performed at the event, playing two pieces to celebrate the announcement and offer musical blessings to the panda siblings.
Moving to Wolong and Return to Guangzhou: Meng Meng’s journey continued when she was relocated to the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base on December 6, 2018 for breeding purpose. Unfortunately, she didn’t mate any of the date candidates. After spending some time in Wolong, Meng Meng returned to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park on June 29, 2019, where she rejoined her familiar environment.
Becoming a Mother: A significant milestone in Meng Meng’s life came on June 18, 2024, when she successfully gave birth to a female cub at 3:38 AM after 128 days of pregnancy. The newborn cub weighed 178 grams, had a strong cry, and was reported to be in good health.
Celebrating a Decade of Life: On July 29, 2024, Meng Meng and her brothers Shuai Shuai and Ku Ku celebrated their 10th birthday at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park. A special event was held to commemorate the occasion, during which the triplets were awarded two Guinness World Records: “The First Successfully Bred Giant Panda Triplets” and “The Longest Living Giant Panda Triplets.”
New Year Feast: On January 21st, 2025, in Guangzhou, Guangdong, giant panda cub Mei Zhu snuggled up next to her mother, Meng Meng. On this day, the keepers at Chimelong Safari Park prepared a “New Year feast” for the mother-daughter duo, using carrots and bamboo. Meng Meng and Mei Zhu played and ate together under the warm winter sun, their adorable and clumsy antics capturing the attention of visitors.