Shuang Hao (双好/Shuanghao) is the panda whose life is as heartwarming as his name – “Double Good.” Born with a strong heritage from both China and Japan, he quickly became a star at the Chengdu Panda Base, earning the nickname “Little Prince of the Ditch” for his playful hiding habits. Beyond his charm, Shuang Hao’s kindness shines through, as seen when he saved his friend’s life with an incredible act of blood donation. He’s not just cute; he’s a true hero!
Basic Information
- Name: Shuang Hao (双好)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: July 29, 2014
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Da Shuang (大双)
- Father: Xiong Bang (雄浜)
- Siblings: Shuang Xi (双喜), Qi Qi (琪琪), Shuang Xiong (双雄), Shuang Qing (双庆), Shuang Er (双耳), Shuang Xin (双欣), Shuang Er (双儿)
Life Experience of Panda Shuang Hao
Name Origin: The name “Shuang Hao,” meaning “Double Good,” was selected jointly by Chinese and Japanese panda enthusiasts, reflecting his unique family background. His father, Xiong Bang, was born in Japan’s Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama, and his maternal grandmother, Qing Qing (庆庆), spent time in Japan in 1988. Shuang Hao’s name honors the longstanding cooperation between China and Japan in panda conservation and expresses the hope for continued harmony between the two nations.
Early Years: Shortly after his birth, Shuang Hao became a beloved star at the Chengdu Panda Base. Weighing only 73 grams at birth, half the weight of a typical panda cub, he grew up healthy and strong under careful care. As a youngster, he would often hide in small water channels or climb trees, making himself hard to find, earning the nickname “Little Prince of the Ditch”.
New Role at Hangzhou Zoo: On September 21, 2016, Shuang Hao and his close friend Cheng Jiu (成就) moved to Hangzhou Zoo to become the new stars of its panda enclosure.
Emergency Aid: In March 2018, panda Cheng Jiu was diagnosed with acute gastric dilation accompanied by severe food retention in the stomach, marking the first known case of its kind among captive pandas. After surgery, Cheng Jiu developed peritonitis and suffered from severe anemia. Fortunately, Shuang Hao’s blood type matched Cheng Jiu’s, allowing Shuang Hao to donate blood. Remarkably, Shuang Hao’s blood was drawn without anesthesia after training, showcasing impressive cooperation. This heartwarming act highlighted the genuine friendship that can exist between pandas. Thanks to Shuang Hao’s help, Cheng Jiu made a full recovery.
Return to Sichuan: In October 2019, Shuang Hao left Hangzhou and returned to Sichuan. After a quarantine period, he and Cheng Jiu were transferred to Panda Valley in November, where they continued their peaceful lives together in a naturalistic setting.
