Qiao Qiao (巧巧/Qiaoqiao)’s playful charm and quirky habits make her a panda you won’t soon forget. Born under the glow of the Qixi Festival in 2011, she’s more than just a twin to Zhen Zhen – she’s a little expert in hide-and-seek and a lover of unique items like flower crowns and hippo-shaped seats. Whether lounging in her wooden house or showcasing her distinct bathing style, Qiao Qiao captures hearts with her personality and elegance.
Basic Information
- Name: Qiao Qiao (巧巧)
- Gender: Female
- Genealogy Number: 815
- Birthdate: August 4, 2011
- Birthplace: Sichuan Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
- Father: Lin Lin (琳琳)
- Mother: Qi Zhen (奇珍)
- Twin Sister: Zhen Zhen (真真)
- Siblings: Zhen Da (珍大), Zhen Xiao (珍小), Bei Bei (贝贝), Huan Huan (欢欢), Zhen Hao (珍好), Zhen Qiao (珍巧), Zhen Duo (珍多), Zhen Xi (珍喜)
Intriguing Details of Panda Qiao Qiao
Name Origin: Qiao Qiao and her twin sister, Zhen Zhen, were the first dragon-and-phoenix twins born at the Chengdu Giant Panda Base in 2011. Their birth was particularly special as it coincided closely with the Qixi Festival, which inspired their names – “Zhen Zhen” and “Qiao Qiao,” a play on the traditional Chinese phrase for making wishes and sewing needles.
Relocation: In September 2013, Qiao Qiao moved to Tianjin’s Guohe Valley Zoo along with her cousin, Xing Mei (星美), to begin a new chapter in her life.
Hide and Seek: When surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, Qiao Qiao cleverly uses nearby objects to hide. Once, while napping on a platform, Qiao Qiao even covered himself with a towel, leaving just a bit of his head and limbs exposed, as if playing hide-and-seek with the visitors.
Wearing a Flower Crown: For a period of time, Qiao Qiao was especially fond of the flower crown prepared by his keeper. He would carefully place it on his head, wearing it perfectly straight, resembling a god from Greek mythology.
Little Hippo: Qiao Qiao also loves the little hippo-shaped seat in his enclosure. He often lounges on it, resting his paws on the hippo’s ears, quietly gazing ahead.
Unique Bathing Posture: Unlike most giant pandas who splash water with their front paws while soaking in a pool, Qiao Qiao has a different style. He prefers to draw circles in the water and air with his hind legs, keeping his toes perfectly straight, as if showing off his long legs.
Enjoying the Scenery: In Qiao Qiao’s enclosure, there’s a small wooden house built by his keeper as a birthday gift. Qiao Qiao loves it and often sits inside, resting his arms on the windowsill, looking as if he’s leisurely enjoying the view outside.
