From the moment he was born on September 1, 2019, Meng Yuan (梦圆/Mengyuan) has been a living embodiment of dreams realized. Alongside his twin brother Meng Xiang, he has captured hearts in Berlin and beyond. Named to symbolize the fulfillment of dreams, Meng Yuan’s journey has been filled with joyous celebrations and fond farewells, all leading to the incredible moment when he returned to his homeland in December 2023, ready to continue his remarkable story.
Basic Information
- Name: Meng Yuan (梦圆)
- Meaning of the Name: Dream Realization
- Date of Birth: September 1, 2019
- Place of Birth: Berlin Zoo, Germany
- Gender: Male
- Mother: Meng Meng (梦梦)
- Father: Jiao Qing (娇庆)
- Twin Brother: Meng Xiang (梦想)
- Siblings: Meng Hao (梦好), Meng Tian (梦甜)
Life Experience of Panda Meng Yuan
Name Origin: Meng Yuan and his twin brother Meng Xiang were named during a festive naming ceremony held on December 9, 2019, at the Berlin Zoo, which marked their 100-day milestone. The names “Meng Yuan” and “Meng Xiang” were chosen to symbolize the fulfillment of dreams, reflecting the hopes and well-wishes of panda lovers everywhere. The ceremony was a significant event attended by notable figures, including Wu Ken, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany, and Michael Müller, the Mayor of Berlin
Birthday Celebration: On August 31, 2023, the twin giant pandas “Meng Xiang” and “Meng Yuan,” residing in Germany, celebrated their fourth birthday. As part of the birthday festivities, the China Cultural Center in Berlin set up a booth next to the panda enclosure to promote panda-themed culture to visitors. At the booth, guests could watch panda-themed videos, participate in knowledge quizzes, experience panda paper-cutting, graffiti, and painting activities, as well as interact with panda mascots on-site and receive souvenirs.
Farewell Party: On December 8, 2023, the Berlin Zoo hosted a heartfelt farewell event for Meng Yuan and Meng Xiang. Guests included prominent dignitaries such as Wu Ken, Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner, and zoo director Andreas Knieriem, who all expressed their well-wishes for the pandas’ return to China. The ceremony included the unveiling of commemorative plaques, honoring the impact the twins had on the zoo and the joy they brought to visitors during their time in Germany.
Back to China: Finally, on December 17, 2023, Meng Yuan safely arrived in Chengdu, China, surrounded by love and good wishes from fans and conservationists alike.