Meet Ru Yi (如意), a charming giant panda whose journey has captured the hearts of many. Born on July 31, 2016, at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Ya’an, Ru Yi is a male panda with a family lineage that includes his mother, Mei Qian, and father, Jin Ke. He shares his life with siblings Mu Yun, Hua Hong, and Lin Xi. In 2019, Ru Yi embarked on an exciting adventure that would take him far from his birthplace to Moscow, Russia, where he would play a vital role in the China-Russia Giant Panda Protection Research Cooperation Project. His lively personality and engaging interactions have made him a beloved resident at the Moscow Zoo.
Basic Information
- Name: Ru Yi (如意)
- Gender: Male
- Pedigree Number: 1021
- Date of Birth: July 31, 2016
- Place of Birth: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Mother: Mei Xi (美茜)
- Father: Jin Ke (津柯)
- Siblings: Mu Yun (牧云), Hua Hong (华鸿), Lin Xi (林溪)
Life Journey
On April 29, 2019, giant pandas Ru Yi and Ding Ding (丁丁) departed from the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, flying to Moscow Zoo on a special flight to kick off a 15-year panda conservation research collaboration between China and Russia. The pair made their debut in front of the Moscow public on June 5, 2019.
Life for Ru Yi at Moscow Zoo has been quite comfortable, as the zoo staff has created a suitable living environment for him. This includes a specially renovated panda exhibit, multiple outdoor and indoor play areas, a dedicated food preparation room, and a bamboo preservation room. To ensure that the pandas enjoy delicious meals, Moscow Zoo has entered into a long-term cooperation agreement with suppliers in Sichuan for the fresh delivery of bamboo and bamboo shoots, flown in regularly.
Eating Habits
Giant pandas primarily consume bamboo but will also eat other foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Ru Yi has maintained this diet while living at Moscow Zoo. His playful and active personality shines through as he enjoys exploring new things and engaging with visitors. Ru Yi has become a star attraction at the zoo, delighting guests with his antics and charm.
Breeding Situation
On July 19, 2023, Moscow Zoo announced that the traveling pandas “Ru Yi” and “Ding Ding” had successfully completed their “first intimate encounter,” and both pandas exhibited excellent behavior. On August 30, 2023, a baby panda was born to Ru Yi and Ding Ding at the Moscow Zoo, marking a significant milestone in their breeding program and solidifying Ru Yi’s legacy as a contributing member of the panda conservation initiative.
