Run Jiu (润九/Runjiu)’s story is as unique as her playful personality. Born with a scar that would become the symbol of her resilience, this lively panda’s journey is full of charm and mischief. Whether it’s playfully pushing her adoptive mother off her perch or cleverly outsmarting her friend for a bamboo shoot, Run Jiu knows how to keep her caretakers – and her fans – on their toes. Ready to discover the heartwarming, hilarious adventures of this adorable little troublemaker?
Basic Information
- Name: Run Jiu (润九)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 31, 2018
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Lineage Number: 1145
- Mother: Yuan Run (园润)
- Father: Gong Zai (功仔)
- Siblings: Run Yue (润玥), Run Ze (润泽), Run Xiang (润洋)
Intriguing Details of Panda Run Jiu
Name Origin: When Yuan Run first gave birth, the delivery was not smooth, and the caretakers quickly extracted the cub for examination. They discovered a long scar running from the cub’s mouth to its neck, which they suspected was caused by Yuan Run inadvertently scratching the cub while trying to pick it up. To treat the scar, the veterinary team performed a surgical procedure, stitching up the wound with nine stitches. The caretakers decided to name her “Run Jiu,” commemorating her nine stitches and symbolizing health and longevity.
Adoptive Mother: After Run Jiu turned one month old, her mother, Yuan Run, still appeared unsure about caring for her baby. Despite multiple attempts and evaluations, it was deemed unsafe for Run Jiu to stay with her mother. To help Run Jiu learn to independently feed on nutritious maternal milk while receiving care from the human keepers, it was decided to arrange for her to be raised with her little brother, Jin Yu (金玉), in the Moon Nursery, where they would be fed by their adoptive mother, Miao Miao (淼淼).
Mischievous Behavior: Run Jiu was very lively and active as a cub. Whenever she wanted to go out and play, she would make a little whimper to ask the keepers to open the door. She also had a playful habit of pushing her adoptive mother, Miao Miao, off her wooden perch while Miao Miao was lying down. This would make Miao Miao jump up in surprise, and though she wanted to scold Run Jiu, she couldn’t bring herself to do so and would just get frustrated instead. Of course, Run Jiu also had her share of accidents – Miao Miao once dropped her from a tree five times.
Adoption: Since November 2021, Run Jiu has been adopted by Mitsubishi Electric. During the adoption period, Mitsubishi Electric sent birthday wishes to Run Jiu, showing their affection and care for her. However, there were rumors among fans that the adoption period was three years, not a lifetime adoption.
Food Protection: Run Jiu and Chuan Zai (川仔) are good friends and often share bamboo shoots together. Chuan Zai tends to eat quickly and always tries to take Run Jiu’s share once he finishes his own. Run Jiu, in response, pretends she doesn’t have any left, then waits for Chuan Zai to be distracted before slyly pulling out a new bamboo shoot from under her bottom to start munching on it.
