Meet Qi Zaii (七仔/Qizai), the panda who’s anything but ordinary – he’s like the chocolate chip in a world full of vanilla pandas. With his unique brown-and-white fur, he looks like he might have wandered straight out of a sci-fi movie. While other pandas are munching on bamboo, Qi Zai has a thing for carrots, and when he’s not busy being the cutest “mischief maker,” he’s charming everyone with his gentle, quirky personality.
Basic Information
- Name: Qi Zai (七仔)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: Approximately 2009
- Studbook Number: 802
- Current Status: Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi
Intriguing Details of Panda Qi Zai
Origin of Name: Qi Zai’s name comes with a playful twist. Thanks to his rare and otherworldly appearance (Why Do Some Giant Pandas Have Brown Fur?) – some say he looks like he’s from another planet – he was named after the alien character from the sci-fi comedy CJ7 (Chang Jiang Qi Hao), which shares the same name.
Appearance: Nicknamed the “chocolate panda,” Qi Zai is instantly recognizable by his unusual brown-and-white fur – a stark contrast to the classic black-and-white pattern of most pandas. His rich, cocoa-toned patches and gentle expression make him look like he stepped right out of a storybook
Clever Eyes: Qi Zai’s eyes are sharp and expressive, always shifting and scanning his surroundings. There’s a quiet cleverness behind those glances, as if he’s constantly observing, scheming, or simply staying one step ahead. Whether he’s curious or cautious, his gaze adds an air of mystery to his already remarkable presence.
Personality: Qi Zai is known for his gentle, soft-hearted nature – sometimes even a little shy. Among playful panda cubs, he’s often the one getting pushed around, but he never seems to mind. Qi Zai is the kind of panda who forgives easily and joins back in the fun without hesitation. While most pandas go wild for sweet treats, Qi Zai stands out with his quirky food preference – he absolutely loves carrots. Watching him munch on one is pure joy; he gets totally lost in the moment, eyes shining with contentment.
Hygiene Conscious: Cleanliness is a big deal for Qi Zai. He’s surprisingly fastidious for a panda, always keeping himself neat and tidy. He’s even picked a specific “bathroom” spot away from his main enclosure – a rare habit in the panda world. You’ll often spot him gently grooming himself with his mouth, making sure his unique brown-and-white fur stays pristine.
Social Skills: Qi Zai is a social butterfly at heart. He loves hanging out by the interaction window, hoping his panda pals will drop by for a visit. Despite his outgoing nature, Qi Zai’s love life hasn’t been easy. His rare appearance and gentle temperament made it hard for him to find a suitable mate. Several natural mating attempts didn’t go as planned. But thanks to the tireless efforts of his keepers, Qi Zai finally found his perfect match – a panda partner who accepted him just the way he is.
Mischief Maker: Don’t be fooled by his calm demeanor – Qi Zai has a cheeky side, too. He’s been caught copying the playful antics of other pandas, like mimicking Le Bao (乐宝)’s signature ear-biting move, which always gets a laugh from his fans. But his mischief once went a bit too far. On April 24, 2023, Qi Zai sparked a “panda drama” when he bit his neighbor, Lou A Bao (楼阿宝), on the ear through the fence – an incident that caused quite a stir online. Afterward, perhaps feeling guilty, Qi Zai often waited by the small window between their enclosures, quietly hoping to make amends. His longing glances and attempts at reconciliation showed just how tenderhearted this “chocolate panda” truly is.
Life Experience of Panda Qi Zai
Discovery and Rescure: Qi Zai was discovered on November 1, 2009, in the Sanguanmiao area of the Foping National Nature Reserve, Shaanxi. He 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.
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.
Relocations: 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.
Offspring: Qi Zai is the father of pandas Qin Hua (秦华) and Ba Zai (八仔), but neither inherited his distinctive brown-and-white fur; both are typical black-and-white pandas.
Adoption: On 20th, November, 2019, Pandas International announced the lifelong adoption of Qi Zai, further enhancing his fame and influence.
Scientific Value of Panda Qi Zai
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.
