Qian Qian (倩倩/Qianqian)’s journey is a tale of resilience and grace. From her early days in the nurturing arms of the Chengdu Research Base to her brave reintroduction into the wild, she has shown what it truly means to thrive. With each hurdle, from her injury to her journey into the wilderness, Qian Qian proved her strength – transforming from a curious cub into a true wild panda, gracefully reclaiming her place in nature.
Basic Information
- Name: Qian Qian (倩倩)
- Meaning of the Name: Smile and Beauty
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: August 6, 2013
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Lineage Number: 881
- Mother: Da Jiao (大娇)
- Twin Sister: Nan Nan (囡囡)
- Siblings: Jiao Yi (娇毅) and Jiao Ao (娇奥)
Life Experience of Panda Qian Qian
Early Childhood: Qian Qian spent her early years at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, growing up alongside her siblings. In this safe and nurturing environment, she learned the basic skills and behaviors needed for survival, under the watchful eyes of her caretakers.
Preparation for Reintroduction: In 2014, Qian Qian was selected, along with another panda named He Sheng (和盛), to be part of the first group from the Chengdu base to undergo reintroduction training. The program involved a series of carefully designed training environments, including the Panda Base, Panda Valley, Liziping Reintroduction Adaptation Area, and finally, the wild. Unfortunately, He Sheng did not survive the training process, but Qian Qian persisted, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience.
Wildlife Training: Qian Qian spent an extended period in the Liziping Wildlife Training Area, where she underwent intensive rewilding training. Here, she learned crucial survival skills such as finding food, identifying safe water sources, and navigating the complex terrains of her natural habitat.
Overcoming Difficulties: When Qian Qian was injured, she cleverly climbed up a tree and waited for rescue, ultimately overcoming the difficult situation. She would also proactively show her injury to her caretaker and gently place her paw on their hand, demonstrating trust and closeness to humans.
Release into the Wild: After years of rigorous training and careful preparation, Qian Qian was successfully released into her natural habitat in 2019. Initially, she approached her new environment with a mix of caution and curiosity. However, it did not take long for her to adjust to life in the wild.
Current Status: Qian Qian is now thriving in the wild, having fully adapted to her natural environment. She has successfully established her territory and maintains appropriate distances from other pandas, ensuring a peaceful coexistence within the wild panda population.