Meet Si Hai (四海), a delightful female giant panda born on July 26, 2019, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Her Arabic name, Soraya, reflects her journey as she resides in Qatar, where she has become a beloved symbol of international friendship and conservation efforts. Si Hai, along with her twin brother Yi Jia, was named during a special ceremony that emphasized the values of inclusiveness, harmony, and love. Since her birth, Si Hai has not only enchanted visitors with her charming personality but has also played a vital role in promoting panda conservation across borders.
Basic Information
- Name: Si Hai (四海)
- Arabic Name: Soraya
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 26, 2019
- Place of Birth: Wolong Shenshuping Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Mother: Yao Man (姚蔓)
- Twin Brother: Yi Jia (一家)
- Siblings: Qing Qing (青青), Bing Bing (冰冰), Tian Bao (天宝), Yuan Yuan (愿愿)
Growth Experience
Si Hai was born on July 26, 2019, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. As a pair of twins, Si Hai and her brother Yi Jia arrived just a day apart, with Si Hai weighing 165 grams at birth and Yi Jia at 162 grams. Their birth marked a significant event for the panda conservation community, showcasing the continuing efforts to breed and protect this endangered species.
On August 22, 2019, members of the “Si Hai Yi Jia: Chengdu-Hong Kong Youth Exchange Group” visited the Dujiangyan Base to hold a naming ceremony for the twins. The names “Si Hai” and “Yi Jia” convey a spirit of inclusiveness, harmony, and friendship.
In October 2022, Si Hai embarked on an exciting new chapter in her life. A farewell ceremony was held on October 18, 2022, as she and another panda named Jing Jing (京京) prepared for their journey to Qatar. The following day, Si Hai arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha, marking the beginning of her new life at the Qatar Panda Park, where she was given the Arabic name “Soraya.”
Si Hai officially made her public debut at the Qatari panda pavilion on November 17, 2022, quickly becoming a favorite among local residents and visitors alike.
On July 26, 2023, Si Hai celebrated her fourth birthday in Qatar. The panda pavilion organized a lively birthday celebration, attracting many panda enthusiasts who came to share this special occasion with her. Si Hai’s journey symbolizes the deepening connections between cultures and the global effort to conserve these magnificent animals.
