If you’re searching for the perfect blend of charm, mischief, and nurturing spirit, look no further than Miao Miao (淼淼/Miaomiao). With her soft, fluffy face and the nickname “Hardworking Coal Digger,” this playful panda has captured hearts far and wide. Not only is she a delightful rascal who loves a good snack and hug, but Miao Miao also proves to be an exceptional mother, filling the Chengdu base with love and warmth. She’s a true star in the panda world!
Basic Information
- Name: Miao Miao (淼淼)
- Nickname: Princess Miao (淼公主), Panda Star Maio (影后淼)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: September 4, 2012
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sun House
- Family Lineage Number: 855
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Mother: Jiao Zi (娇子)
- Siblings: Xiao Jiao (小娇), Da Jiao (大娇), Jiao Xiao (娇小), Ke Lin (科琳), Jiao Qing (娇庆), Sa Er (仨儿)
Intriguing Details of Panda Miao Miao
Name Origin: Miao Miao was named after her severe dehydration at birth. The name “Miao Miao,” which means “abundant water” in Chinese, was chosen with hopes that it would bring her health and vitality as she grew.
Appearance: Miao Miao is part of the Bing Bing family, characterized by her fluffy face, distinctive small black spots on her nose, and outwardly shaped eye rings.
Hardworking Coal Digger: During Miao Miao’s stay at the Dujiangyan Panda Valley, along with her companions Ao Li Ao (奥莉奥) and Yuan Run (园润), she would spend all day playing and frolicking in the mud. By the end of the day, her body would be completely covered in yellow mud, making her look as if she had just returned from digging coal. Because of this, she earned the nickname “Hardworking Coal Digger.”
Craving Snacks and Hugs: Miao Miao is very clever, and sometimes, she will deliberately engage in a “tug-of-war” with her caretakers in order to get more apples or a larger serving of “panda milk.” For example, during the afternoon “collecting pandas” session, Miao Miao would often refuse to leave her perch and return to her indoor den. Only when the caretakers offered her a bowl of panda milk and apples would she lazily get up. However, even after getting her snacks, she sometimes continues to linger, enjoying “hugs of love” from the caretakers.
Friendship with Yuanrun: Miao Miao shares a very close relationship with Yuan Run. They live together, share meals, and have a deep bond. After Yuanrun gave birth to her cub, Run Jiu (润九), and the cub was injured, the caretakers were concerned about Run Jiu’s safety and well-being. So, they entrusted Miao Miao, who is also a mother, to take care of the little one. Miao Miao proved to be very responsible and dedicated in this caregiving role.
Life Experience of Panda Yuan Run
Early Years: Miao Miao was initially cared for by surrogate panda mothers due to her biological mother Jiao Zi’s inability to nurse. She was primarily looked after by Yuan Yuan (园园), a panda with a similar delivery time, ensuring Miao Miao received essential nutrition. Miao Miao lived with several surrogate mothers, including the lively Cheng Ji (成绩) and the gentle Li Li (莉莉). Under their care, she developed a love for bathing and learned about nurturing from her surrogate mothers.
Adulthood and Breeding:
- As Miao Miao matured, she was included in the breeding program at the Chengdu base. In 2018, she gave birth to her first cub, Jin Yu (金玉), a calm little male.
- Miao Miao also took on the role of a surrogate mother to her goddaughter Run Jiu, showcasing her nurturing side.
- In 2020, Miao Miao welcomed twins, Jin Xi (金喜) and Jin Shuang (金双), further demonstrating her abilities as a caring mother.
