Qiyi (奇一/Qi Yi), born on July 1, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is not your average panda. With a tuft of hair atop her head resembling a Wi-Fi signal, she quickly earned the nickname “Teletubby” for her unique appearance. But it’s her personality that truly captivates. Qiyi is known for her heartwarming leg-hugging antics, eagerly rushing to her zookeepers for a tight embrace.
Basic Information
- Name: Qiyi (奇一)
- Date of Birth: July 1, 2016
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 1008
- Current Residence: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Qi Yuan (奇缘)
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Twin Sister: Qi Guo (奇果)
- Siblings: Qi Fu (奇福), Qi Miao (奇妙), Ming Ming (明明), Yuan da (缘大), Yuan Xiao (缘小), Si Yuan (思缘)
Intriguing Details of Panda Qiyi
Appearance: Qiyi is instantly recognizable thanks to the distinctive tuft of hair on her head, which amusingly resembles a Wi-Fi signal. Keepers joke that she provides the best “connection” in the entire panda base! Once, a zookeeper trimmed off this quirky hairdo, but to everyone’s surprise, it quickly grew back, as if determined to keep its signature look. This unique feature has also earned Qiyi the playful nickname “Teletubby,” making her one of the most recognizable pandas among fans.
leg-hugging expert: Qiyi is famous for her irresistible love of leg-hugging. Whenever she spots her keepers, she wastes no time rushing over at full speed, wrapping her paws tightly around their legs like a fuzzy, black-and-white koala. Whether it’s a plea for attention, food, or just a warm cuddle, her affectionate nature has earned her the title of “leg-hugging expert” at the zoo.
Contrasting Behaviors: Qiyi is a bundle of contradictions – a mix of clumsy charm and sudden bursts of energy. When she first attempted to climb trees, her wobbly steps made her look like a toddler taking its first steps. When she runs, she bounces like a playful rabbit, adding to her irresistible cuteness. Even her drinking style is slow and leisurely, as if she’s savoring every drop. But the moment she spots a zookeeper or food, her entire demeanor transforms in an instant. She suddenly becomes incredibly agile, dashing over with lightning speed, showing a stark contrast to her usual relaxed state.
Bond with Zookeepers: Qiyi has formed a deep emotional connection with her zookeepers, especially those who care for her daily. The moment extra food – especially her beloved bamboo shoots – is on the menu, she becomes unusually excited, eagerly waiting for her nanny to hand-feed her. However, her attachment goes beyond just food. If a zookeeper falls sick or takes a leave of absence, Qiyi noticeably sulks, losing her usual enthusiasm and even showing disinterest in eating. But the moment her favorite caretaker returns, she perks up instantly, rushing over for a warm hug, proving just how deeply she cherishes those who care for her.
Being Beaten by Meilan: A popular online tale tells of the time Qiyi, the cheeky little panda, tried to steal a piece of apple from Meilan. Meilan (梅兰), not one to share easily, responded with a dramatic display of “discipline” – she raised her fists and, according to the story, gave Qiyi a good thrashing!
Destructive Tendencies: Qiyi has earned the nickname “King of Destruction” for her tendency to cause chaos wherever she goes. Her most infamous act of mayhem occurred when she single-handedly demolished the No. 2 villa at the panda base! During one of her outdoor adventures, Qiyi managed to rip out a drainage pipe and chew it up. As if that wasn’t enough, she even tried to block the pipe with dirt, but the mischievous panda’s efforts were futile. The following day, the villa’s foundation collapsed, and the entire area flooded overnight, forcing the pandas to move out urgently.
