If there’s one panda whose journey is as remarkable as her spirit, it’s Ping Ping (平平/Pingping). Born just after the Wenchuan earthquake, her very existence represents hope and resilience. From the chaos of the disaster to becoming a global ambassador for panda conservation, Ping Ping’s life has been filled with adventures and milestones—whether promoting the 2010 World Expo or becoming a mother herself. With her gentle nature and incredible story, Ping Ping truly embodies the panda spirit.
Basic Information
- Name: Ping Ping (平平)
- Meaning of the Name: Safe and Sound
- Date of Birth: July 6, 2008
- Gender: Female
- Pedigree Number: 704
- Birthplace: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Mother: Guo Guo (帼帼)
- Twin Brother: An An (安安)
- Siblings: Yao Yao (耀耀), Liang Liang (亮亮), Hua Sheng (花生), Yao Man (姚蔓), Yao Xin (姚欣), Ya Ji (雅吉)
Life Experience of Panda Ping Ping
Significant Birth: Ping Ping’s mother, Guo Guo, had been rescued from the brink of danger during the devastating Wenchuan earthquake, when she was found stranded near a landslide at the edge of a mountain cliff. Dedicated staff from the research center risked their lives to rescue her, and after being moved to Ya’an, Guo Guo gave birth to Ping Ping and An An on July 6, 2008. These twins were the first captive-born panda twins worldwide after the earthquake, and their names, Ping Ping and An An, were chosen through an online poll, symbolizing the public’s hope and love for the pandas.
2010 World Expo: In January 2010, Ping Ping and her twin brother An An were among 10 young giant pandas sent from the Bifengxia Base to the Shanghai Zoo to promote the 2010 World Expo. The 10 pandas, all born in 2008 after the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake, were carefully selected for this important mission. Ping Ping and An An gained particular attention as they were the most popular pair of fraternal twins born in the aftermath of the disaster.
Relocations: On October 26, 2011, she returned to the Bifengxia Base, but her travels didn’t stop there. On March 30, 2012, Ping Ping was transferred to the Emei Xianzhi Zhujian Ecological Park, where she continued to represent giant panda conservation efforts. After five years, on January 10, 2017, she returned once again to the Bifengxia Base.
Breeding Achievements: On July 19, 2021, Ping Ping gave birth to twins at the Shenshuping Base in Wolong. Her daughter was given the nickname “Ping Yue (平月),” and her son was called “Run Yue (闰月).”
