Sheng Yi (升谊/Shengyi), born on May 31, 2021, at the Malaysia National Zoo, holds a special place in history, born on the 47th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. Known for her intelligence and playful spirit, she quickly learned how to lock doors and pack her toys, keeping visitors on their toes. Whether scaling gates or skiing in the snow, Sheng Yi’s lively energy made her a beloved figure, both in Malaysia and upon her return to China.
Basic Information
- Name: Sheng Yi (升谊)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: May 31, 2021 (47th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations)
- Place of Birth: Malaysia National Zoo
- Father: Xing Xing (兴兴)
- Mother: Liang Liang (靓靓)
- Siblings: Gong Gong (贡贡), Nuan Nuan (暖暖), Yi Yi (谊谊)
Intriguing Details of Panda Sheng Yi
Naming Ceremony: Sheng Yi’s name was chosen during a special naming ceremony that brought together two nations in a spirit of friendship. The event was graced by Malaysia’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Takiyuddin Hassan, and the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing. The name “Sheng Yi” was carefully selected to symbolize peace and goodwill, reflecting Malaysia’s heartfelt desire to strengthen its bond with China through this beautiful gesture.
Smart and Clever: Sheng Yi is no ordinary panda – her intelligence is truly remarkable. She quickly mastered the art of opening the door to her activity area, much to the amusement and occasional frustration of her keepers. In fact, sometimes she takes things a step further, “closing the door” behind her and playfully locking herself in, leaving the keepers outside in helpless bewilderment. But her cleverness doesn’t stop there – Sheng Yi also has an adorable habit of gathering her toys and carefully bringing them back to her enclosure, almost as if she’s worried the visitors might try to snatch them away.
Well-behaved and Thoughtful: On August 29, 2023, Sheng Yi began her emotional journey back to China. During the farewell ceremony at the Panda Pavilion in Malaysia’s National Zoo, both Sheng Yi and her companion, Yi Yi, displayed an unexpected sense of calm, almost as though they were fully aware that this would be their final appearance in Malaysia. Their dignified behavior touched the hearts of everyone present, marking a bittersweet moment in their lives.
Social Butterfly: Back in China, Sheng Yi quickly became the life of the party at the Shenshuping Base. With her boundless energy, she’s often spotted running gleefully across the lush grass, climbing walls to satisfy her curiosity, or perching high up in trees to keep a watchful eye on Xiao Qi Ji (小奇迹), the neighboring panda.
Energetic and Playful: Sheng Yi is a bundle of energy and agility. Her playful antics have become legendary, even during her time in Malaysia, where she once managed to escape from her enclosure! At the Shenshuping Base, she’s demonstrated her climbing prowess by scaling iron gates not once, but three times – each time getting caught by the keepers, much to their bemusement. Last winter, when the snow blanketed the ground, Sheng Yi turned into an expert in snow play, mastering various “skiing” techniques and often returning from her adventures covered in dirt and snow, much to the amusement of her caretakers.
Life Journey of Panda Sheng Yi
Birth and Special Date: Sheng Yi was born on May 31, 2021, which coincidentally marks the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
Return to China: In 2023, under the Malaysia-China Giant Panda International Cooperation Research Agreement, Sheng Yi and her brother Yi Yi were arranged to return to China. On August 29, a farewell ceremony was held at the Malaysia National Zoo’s panda exhibit, and the two pandas flew back to Chengdu, China, that evening.
Arrival in China: On the morning of August 30, 2023, Sheng Yi and Yi Yi arrived safely in China and entered the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center’s Wolong Shenshuping Base for a 30-day quarantine as required by customs regulations.
Meet the Public: On 14th October, Sheng Yi officially met the visitors and amused them with his extroverted personality.
