Shu Lan (蜀兰/Shulan), with her laid-back demeanor that earned her the nickname “Concubine Lan,” has lived through some of the most challenging yet heartwarming moments in panda history. Born in Chengdu, she embarked on a life full of twists—moving to Lanzhou, becoming a mother, and overcoming health struggles. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about resilience and the kind of peaceful spirit that shines through every inch of her fur.
Basic Information
- Name: Shu Lan (蜀兰)
- Nickname: Concubine Lan (derived from her laid-back attitude toward life)
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1994
- Lineage Number: 407
- Gender: Female
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base
- Current Residence: China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Dujiangyan Base
- Mother: Su Su (苏苏)
- Father: Yue Yue (越越)
- Twin Sister: Mei Mei (梅梅)
- Brother: Ke Bi (科比)
Life Experience of Panda Shu Lan
Birth: Shu Lan was born at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base alongside her younger sister, Mei Mei on August 31, 1994
Move to Lanzhou: In April 1996, at just two years old, Shu Lan was exchanged with a 12-year-old male panda named Ha Lan (哈兰) as part of an agreement between Chengdu Zoo and Lanzhou Zoo. This move marked the beginning of a challenging chapter in her life.
Breeding Achivements: During Shu Lan’s time at Lanzhou Zoo, she gave birth to her son, Lan Bao (兰宝), on August 23, 2002. Sadly, Lan Bao passed away on August 30, 2012. In 2004, after a remarkable 200-day pregnancy, Shu Lan gave birth to her second son, Lan Zai (兰仔), setting a world record for the longest gestation period for a captive giant panda.
Health Challenge: However, conditions at Lanzhou Zoo were less than ideal, leading to public concern and scrutiny. In 2016, reports emerged of Shu Lan suffering from health issues, including visible injuries and foaming at the mouth. Her condition raised alarm among panda enthusiasts and animal welfare advocates alike. By February 2017, concerns intensified as she appeared emaciated and lost weight, prompting a global petition from panda fans advocating for her return to a better environment.
Return to Sichuan: In March 2017, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center made the compassionate decision to bring Shu Lan back to Sichuan for a comprehensive health check-up and rehabilitation. On March 16, she was safely transferred to the Dujiangyan Base, marking the beginning of a new and hopeful chapter in her life.
Health Rehabilitation: Upon her return to the Dujiangyan Base, Shu Lan underwent a month-long quarantine period, during which she received thorough medical examinations and treatments. On April 18, she completed her isolation, and by May 5, she underwent a complete anesthetic examination and had a perianal polyp removed. Remarkably, her weight increased by 15 kilograms, bringing her to a healthy 107 kilograms.
