Qing Qing (晴晴), a female giant panda born on February 23, 2007, is known as one of the most extraordinary pandas in the world, earning her the nickname “Miracle Panda.” Born at the Hetaoping Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Protection Research Center, Qing Qing’s story is filled with milestones that highlight not only her survival but also her significance in panda conservation efforts. With her history of overcoming adversity, a record-breaking birth, and her role as a mother, Qing Qing’s journey serves as an inspiration to many. Let’s explore her life from birth to the present day, shedding light on the experiences that make her so unique.
Basic Information
- Name: Qing Qing (晴晴)
- Meaning behind the Name: A Bright, Clear Sky
- Gender: Female
- Studbook Number: 664
- Birthdate: February 23, 2007
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Training Base, China
- Mother: Ji Ni (吉妮)
- Father: Qing Qing (青青)
- Sister: Xiao Bai Tu (小白兔)
Intriguing Details of Panda Qing Qing
“The Bully”: Qing Qing is known for her strong, assertive personality. Her temperament has earned her the nickname “Gengda Qing Jie” (Bully Qing), as she has been known to physically assert herself in her interactions with other pandas. She is also not fond of eating carrots and has a large appetite, often either indulging in food or working on losing weight. Qing Qing’s fiery nature and her dominating attitude towards male pandas make her a memorable figure in the panda community. Her cubs, too, share her bold spirit and are often described as little “tyrants” in their own right.
Matchmaking: On Qing Qing’s 4th birthday, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda held a special birthday celebration for her at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base. Based on genetic compatibility, physical condition, temperament, and overall vitality, the staff carefully selected five potential “grooms” for Qing Qing and displayed their photos at the party. However, when it came to the actual matchmaking session, Qing Qing unexpectedly gave two of the candidates, Wu Gang (武岗) and Lu Lu (芦芦), a good beating, and, of course, the matchmaking eventually failed.
Life Experience of Panda Qing Qing
Birth and Pregnancy Record: Qing Qing’s birth is nothing short of extraordinary. Her mother, Ji Ni, gave birth to her at the age of 14, an age considered advanced for a panda. Ji Ni’s pregnancy lasted an impressive 324 days, setting a record for the longest pregnancy ever recorded for a giant panda. Qing Qing’s birth also holds another significant distinction—she is the only giant panda known to have been born in spring, making her truly a “miracle panda.”
Adoption and Naming: At birth, Qing Qing weighed only half of what a typical panda cub would weigh. Despite her small size, she was healthy and vocal. However, Ji Ni, being a first-time mother, accidentally injured Qing Qing by scratching her back. At 100 days old, Qing Qing was adopted by Chen Qing, the chairman of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Fund and a well-known philanthropist. Qing Qing was named “Qing Qing,” symbolizing the hope for a bright, clear sky in her life, and her adoption marked the beginning of her special connection with the public.
Impact of the Earthquake: In 2008, Qing Qing was just over one year old when a devastating earthquake struck China, severely damaging the Hetaoping Wild Training Base in the Sichuan province. Many panda enclosures were destroyed, and basic infrastructure like transportation, communication, and utilities was left inoperable. During the disaster, Qing Qing was found hiding in a corner, trembling as she clung to the fence. The panda caretakers safely removed her from the enclosure and placed her in a secure open area, but she continued to show signs of stress. With the help of professional animal psychologists and a caring team who fed and comforted her daily, Qing Qing gradually regained her composure and returned to normal.
Adulthood and Breeding: As Qing Qing grew, she moved between different breeding and conservation bases, including the Hetaoping and Ya’an Bifengxia bases. In 2012, Qing Qing reached sexual maturity and participated in breeding attempts, though she did not conceive. In 2014, she successfully gave birth to her first cub, Yue Liang (月亮), followed by Tian Tian (天天) and Qing Tian (晴天), all of whom she nurtured with care.
Current Life: Currently, Qing Qing resides at the Yangzhou World Expo Panda Pavilion, where she participates in public education programs aimed at raising awareness about giant panda conservation. Her children have also been moved to different locations to continue their journeys of growth and conservation. Yue Liang now lives at the Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Scenic Area, Tian Tian is at the Jiuzhaigou County Jiamu Hai Giant Panda Protection Research Park, and Qing Tian resides at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base.