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)
Life Experience of Panda Si Hai
Birth: 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.
Naming Ceremony: 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.
Travel to Qatar: 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.”
Adaptation: When Si Hai first arrived in Qatar, she felt a bit disoriented due to the unfamiliar language and environment, as she had grown up in Sichuan and was accustomed to hearing the Sichuan dialect. To communicate with her effectively, the keepers began imitating the pronunciation and tone of the Sichuan dialect. Over time, their communication improved significantly. Now, Si Hai has fully adapted to Qatar’s climate and surroundings, living comfortably in her new home. She has even gradually learned some English and Arabic. Every day, she enjoys delicious bamboo from her hometown, sleeps on a spacious 100-square-meter “bed,” strolls leisurely across the grass, and sometimes climbs to the treetops for a nap.
First Public Meeting: 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. In less than a year, Si Hai and her companion, Jing Jing, have become Qatar’s most popular pandas, attracting over 110,000 visitors.
Birthday Celebration: On July 26, 2023, Si Hai celebrated her 4th birthday in Qatar. To mark this special occasion, the Al Khor Panda House organized a lively celebration. The staff decorated the panda house with balloons, banners, colorful flags, and window ornaments, creating a festive and cheerful atmosphere. To make the celebration even more special, they prepared a unique birthday “cake” for Si Hai. The cake was made of frozen vegetable and fruit juice, shaped like a giant panda. It was surrounded by bamboo, decorated with carrots, and topped with four thin bamboo sticks as candles, symbolizing Si Hai’s 4th birthday.