From a pampered princess in Malaysia to a beloved resident of Nanjing, Nuan Nuan (暖暖/Nuannuan)’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in 2015 at the National Zoo in Malaysia, she was treated like royalty, indulged with the finest bamboo and snacks, and carried to and from her enclosures by her caretakers. Now residing at Nanjing Ziqinghu Wild Animal World, Nuan Nuan has transformed from a playful cub into a serene and elegant giant panda, though she still enjoys a bit of mischief. With her love for high places, beauty naps, and the occasional bout of troublemaking, Nuan Nuan continues to capture the hearts of all who meet her.
Basic Information
- Name: Nuan Nuan (暖暖)
- Meaning of the Name: Warmth
- Lineage ID: 977
- Birth Date: August 18, 2015
- Gender: Female
- Father: Xing Xing (formerly known as Fuwa)
- Mother: Liang Linag (Feng Yi)
- Birthplace: National Zoo, Malaysia
- Siblings: Yi Yi (谊谊), Sheng Yi (升谊)
- Current Residence: Nanjing Ziqinghu Wild Animal World, Nanjing, China
Intriguing Details of Panda Nuan Nuan
Personality: Nuan Nuan was a bundle of energy as a cub, always playful and full of mischief. As she grew older, she transformed into a graceful and composed young lady, exuding elegance in everything she did. She enjoys a slow, leisurely lifestyle, basking in the affection of her caretakers – though she still has a mischievous streak. Whether it’s shredding objects, toppling trees, or tumbling around with her favorite toys, she knows how to keep things exciting. Nuan Nuan is also a fearless climber, often found perched high in the trees, lounging like royalty. And, of course, no day is complete without a luxurious beauty nap. Her absolute favorite treat? Sweet, crunchy carrots.
Little Princess Life: During her time in Malaysia, Nuan Nuan lived like true panda royalty. She dined on the freshest bamboo and an assortment of gourmet snacks, hand-selected to suit her refined tastes. Her devoted “nanny dads” carried her to and from work, ensuring she was never in a rush. With such pampering, she naturally became quite the picky eater, accepting only the finest bamboo – flown in directly from China. However, as her appetite outgrew Malaysia’s ability to meet her high standards, she was reluctantly sent back to China, where she could continue to enjoy the lavish lifestyle she had become accustomed to.
Life Experience of Panda Nuan Nuan
Early Life: Nuan Nuan was born on August 18, 2015, at the National Zoo in Malaysia. On April 7, 2016, she was officially named “Nuan Nuan,” a name that embodies warmth and friendliness.
Returning to China: On November 14, 2017, as part of a panda research cooperation agreement between China and Malaysia, Nuan Nuan was returned to China. At two years and three months old, she became the 12th giant panda born abroad to be returned to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Life in China: After her return, Nuan Nuan spent a period at the Dujiangyan Base, where she underwent quarantine and gradually adapted to her new surroundings. On August 28, 2019, she was relocated to Nanjing Ziqinghu Wild Animal World, where she embarked on the next chapter of her life.
Notable Incident: In April 2023, a viral video of Nuan Nuan being improperly handled by a zookeeper sparked widespread public concern. The footage showed the keeper using a long bamboo pole to prod her into moving, while laughter from onlookers added to the controversy. In response, Nanjing Ziqinghu Wild Animal World acted swiftly, suspending the zookeeper from working with pandas permanently and reinforcing its supervision of panda care to ensure such incidents would not happen again.