Shun Shun (舜舜/Shunshun) is no ordinary panda – he’s an adventurer, a toy-dismantling mastermind, and the “Little Prince of Sinking Ships.” Whether rolling in mud like a tiny penguin or attempting to peel a coconut in his tropical home in Hainan, his playful antics never fail to entertain. With a deep bond to his keepers and a love for water, Shun Shun’s journey from Sichuan to Hainan is as heartwarming as it is amusing.
Basic Information
- Name: Shun Shun (舜舜)
- Gender: Male
- Studbook Number: 902
- Date of Birth: August 27, 2013
- Birthplace: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Mother: Na Na (娜娜)
- Siblings: Xing Hui (星徽), Xing Rui (星睿), Cai Tao (彩陶), Pu Pu (浦浦), Fa Fa (发发), Pang Wang (潘旺)
Intriguing Details of Panda Shun Shun
Little Penguin: Shun Shun has a unique hobby – what keepers call “digging coal.” He loves rolling around in mud and water, often emerging completely covered in dirt. With his round body and soot-streaked fur, he hilariously resembles a tiny, scruffy penguin waddling about, much to the delight of his fans.
Plenty of Toys: Life in Hainan is nothing short of a paradise for Shun Shun, who enjoys a treasure trove of toys – from hand-woven yarn dolls to plastic trinkets, bamboo playthings, and even custom-made pillows. Dubbed the “Island Owner” by adoring netizens, he reigns over his toy kingdom with playful mischief. However, his enthusiasm for fun often turns into a deconstruction project, as he gleefully dismantles his toys, leaving the keepers both amused and exasperated by his latest “masterpieces.”
Water Play and Sinking Ships: Shun Shun is a true water enthusiast, often seen happily splashing around in his pool. To make bath time even more fun, the keepers gifted him a small green boat. However, his enthusiasm – combined with his considerable weight – usually results in the boat sinking, much to everyone’s amusement. This recurring “shipwreck” has earned him the affectionate nickname “Little Prince of Sinking Ships” among netizens.
Local Experiences: Embracing island life in Hainan, Shun Shun eagerly tried his paw at local activities. One of his most memorable attempts was peeling a coconut by hand. Despite his determination, the tough shell proved too much for him, leaving him staring longingly at the untouched coconut water, as if wondering why nature had to be so unfair.
Emotional Dependence: Shun Shun shares a deep bond with his keepers, showing just how sensitive and affectionate he is. When one of them took a five-day leave, his reaction upon their return was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. At first, he froze in disbelief, his little mind seemingly processing the reunion. Then, overcome with emotion, he began to sob – a rare and touching display of just how much he had missed his human companion.
Life Experience of Panda Shun Shun
Early Life: Shun Shun spent his early years at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, growing up alongside his siblings under the expert care of the staff at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Move to Dujiangyan Base: On September 2, 2014, Shun Shun was relocated to the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Time at Taiyuan Zoo: On October 18, 2015, Shun Shun, along with his brother Gong Gong, was sent to the Taiyuan Zoo in Shanxi for a display and exchange program. Unfortunately, the environment at Taiyuan Zoo was not ideal, leading Shun Shun to develop some undesirable behaviors, such as eating garbage.
Return to Bifengxia Base: Due to the closure and renovation of the Taiyuan Zoo, Shun Shun and Gong Gong were returned to the Bifengxia Base on May 10, 2018.
Relocation to Hainan: In November 2018, after rigorous assessments and preparations, Shun Shun and Gong Gong were flown from Sichuan to Hainan, where they took up residence at the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden. This relocation was significant as it marked the first time giant pandas were housed on Hainan Island.
Residence Environment: Shun Shun resides in “Panda World,” which is divided into four main functional areas: an outdoor sports exhibition area, an indoor exhibition area, a science education area, and a logistics support service area. The facility spans over 1,000 square meters and includes artificial hills, pools, lawns, and wooden climbing structures, providing Shun Shun with ample space for playing and resting. The indoor exhibition area simulates a natural ecological environment, with backgrounds of tropical rainforests and bamboo forests, complete with wooden rocking chairs and resting platforms to create a comfortable and safe living space for Shun Shun.
