Si Jia (思嘉) is a beloved giant panda whose charm and gentle nature have endeared her to many. Born on August 12, 2006, at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center’s Walnut Hill Wild Training Base, Si Jia’s early life was marked by both joy and challenges. Her journey from the Sichuan earthquake to her current home at Yabuli Panda Pavilion in Heilongjiang Province is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Known for her round face and captivating smile, Si Jia is celebrated for her beauty and grace, making her a standout in the panda world.
Basic Information
- Name: Si Jia (思嘉)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: August 12, 2006
- Birthplace: China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, Walnut Hill Wild Training Base
- Lineage Number: 634
- Mother: Xi Mei (喜妹)
- Father: Ling Ling (灵灵)
- Siblings: Chun Chun (春春), Hui Hui (回回), Tao Tao (淘淘), Yin Ke (银柯), Zheng Zheng (正正), Hui Hui (辉辉), Ba Xi (八喜), Xi Yue (喜悦), Xi Le (喜乐), Hao Yue (皓月)
Intriguing Details about Panda Si Jia
Panda Beauty: Si Jia inherited her mother Xi Mei’s striking features, boasting a plump face, large ears, and a naturally sweet smile. Her round body and glossy fur have earned her the title of “Big Pancake,” and she is celebrated alongside Beijing Zoo’s Meng Meng (萌萌) as one of the panda world’s top beauties.
Jealousy: Not only is Si Jia adorable, but she also has a bit of a jealous streak. When she sees other pandas receiving attention, she quickly runs to the zookeepers, fluttering her eyes, seeking more love and attention for herself.
Struggles with Depression and Recovery: While at the Kunming Wild Animal Park in Yunnan, Si Jia suffered from severe depression and a parasitic infection due to poor food and environmental conditions. Her caretakers would talk to her and provide toys daily, trying to bring back her cheerful spirit. After being transferred back to Sichuan, her adopter, Ms. Ruan Deci, visited her multiple times, offering care and affection, which helped Si Jia gradually recover. At the Harbin Yabuli Panda Pavilion, the zookeepers treated her like their own child, attending to her every need. Today, Si Jia has fully recovered and is a healthy, lively, and happy panda.
Life Exprience of Panda Si JIa
Birth: Si Jia was born on August 12, 2006, in the Sichuan Wolong Base alongside her twin brother, Tao Tao. She enjoyed a happy childhood under the care of her mother and the dedicated staff.
Earthquake: On May 12, 2008, the devastating Wenchuan earthquake forced the relocation of many pandas, including Si Jia. She was moved to the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center’s Ya’an Bifengxia Base and later to the Kunming Wildlife Park in Yunnan on June 26, 2008, due to space limitations, along with Qian Qian (芊芊)and Mei Xi (美茜).
Relocations: On June 19, 2015, she returned to the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center’s Dujiangyan Base, and on July 5, 2016, she, along with You You (佑佑) was relocated to the Yabuli Panda Pavilion in Heilongjiang Province, becoming one of the first pandas to inhabit China’s northernmost panda facility.
Current Status: Si Jia currently resides happily at the Yabuli Panda Pavilion, where she enjoys a spacious environment filled with enriching toys and the attentive care of her keepers. Every August 12, Si Jia celebrates her birthday with a special cake and festivities, marking another year of joy and health.