Qi Zai (七仔), a male giant panda born around 2009, is a unique and extraordinary member of the panda world. Residing at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi, Qi Zai stands out as the only known brown-and-white giant panda in captivity. His rare coloration and remarkable journey from a weak and abandoned cub to a celebrated figure in conservation efforts have captured the hearts of people worldwide, making him a symbol of the need to protect these magnificent creatures.
Basic Information
- Name: Qi Zai (七仔)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: Approximately 2009 (the exact date may vary, but 2009 is widely accepted)
- Studbook Number: 802
- Current Status: Lives at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi (now known as Qinling Four Treasures Scientific Park), and is the only brown-and-white giant panda in captivity.
Discovery and Rescue
- Location of Discovery: Qi Zai was discovered on November 1, 2009, in the Sanguanmiao area of the Foping National Nature Reserve, Shaanxi.
- Condition at Discovery: Qi Zai was found abandoned, weak, and had not eaten for several hours, putting his life at risk. The Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Research Center was immediately notified and quickly rescued him, bringing him back to the center for treatment.
Naming and Growth
- Origin of Name: Due to his unusual appearance (Why Do Some Giant Pandas Have Brown Fur?), reminiscent of an extraterrestrial, Qi Zai was named after the alien creature in the movie CJ7 (“Chang Jiang Qi Hao”), which shares the same name.
- Growth Journey: At the research center, Qi Zai received careful attention and was raised alongside other panda cubs. Known for his gentle and unassuming nature, Qi Zai became a favorite among his caretakers. Over time, his health improved, and he gained weight, showing good overall health.
- In December 2014, Qi Zai moved to the Foping Base.
- In late November 2017, Qi Zai returned to the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Research Center to participate in the 2018 breeding program.
- Qi Zai is the father of pandas Qin Hua (Pan Pan) and Ba Zai, but neither inherited his distinctive brown-and-white fur; both are typical black-and-white pandas.
Scientific Value
- Cause of Fur Color: Qi Zai’s brown-and-white fur color is due to a Bace2 gene deletion mutation. This discovery was made by the team of Academician Wei Fuwen from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and was published on March 5, 2024, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). This research revealed the genetic mechanism behind the rare brown-and-white fur variation, providing critical scientific insights for the captive breeding of brown pandas.
- Breeding: Although Qi Zai has participated in artificial breeding programs, his known offspring, Qin Hua (Pan Pan) and Ba Zai, have both inherited the standard black-and-white coloration rather than Qi Zai’s brown-and-white fur.
Social Impact
- Public Attention: Qi Zai’s unique fur and adorable appearance have garnered significant public attention, turning him into a “star” within the panda community. His story and growth journey have also sparked greater interest and love for panda conservation efforts.
- International Engagement: As one of China’s national treasures, Qi Zai has participated in international exchange activities, contributing to the promotion of panda conservation. For example, Pandas International announced the lifelong adoption of Qi Zai, further enhancing his fame and influence.
