Panda Si Xue: A Vigilant Panda

Panda Si Xue

Si Xue (思雪), a female giant panda born on July 22, 2006, at the Wolong National Nature Reserve, is a remarkable figure in the world of panda conservation. As the first giant panda cub born in 2006 globally, she has experienced a unique journey characterized by her strong instincts, numerous relocations, and significant contributions to the conservation of her species. Si Xue’s story reflects not only her resilience but also the dedication of the researchers and caretakers who have supported her throughout her life.

Basic Information

  • Name: Si Xue (思雪)
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of Birth: July 22, 2006
  • Place of Birth: Hetaoping Giant Panda Wild Training Base
  • Mother: Bai Xue (白雪)
  • Birth Weight: 160.0 grams
  • Lineage Number: 625
  • Siblings: Lin Lin (琳琳), Xiu Xiu (秀秀), Qing Qing (青青), Zhu Zhu (珠珠), Chuang Chuang (创创), Zhuang Mei (壮妹), Ning Ning (宁宁), Jin Ke (津柯)

Intriguing Details of Panda Si Xue

A Panda with Principles: Si Xue has her own firm stance when it comes to food – she neither shares her food with others nor takes food that doesn’t belong to her. One time, she was happily munching on a carrot when her cub noticed. Excited, the cub ran over, hoping to get a bite. Unexpectedly, Si Xue simply turned around, facing away from her cub. Determined, the cub tried to circle around to the front, but when Si Xue realized she couldn’t shake the cub off by spinning in place, she just ran away – still stuffing the carrot into her mouth as she fled.

Although Si Xue may seem a bit selfish, she’s also different from some panda mothers who would snatch food from their own cubs. On another occasion, her cub got hold of a tender bamboo shoot and was enjoying it immensely. Si Xue sat right next to her cub, staring intently at the bamboo shoot and even swallowing repeatedly out of temptation – but she never reached out to take it.

Life Experience of Panda Si Xue

Early Life: Si Xue was born at the Hetaoping Giant Panda Wild Training Base and is notable for being the first giant panda cub born worldwide in 2006. From a young age, she displayed a strong sense of wildness and vigilance towards humans, often staying close to her mother, Bai Xue. Si Xue was lively and active, developing robust physical health during her early days.

Move between Bifengxia and Hetaoping On June 18, 2008, She moved to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. On May 30, 2012, She returned to the Hetaoping Giant Panda Wild Training Base for continued care and rehabilitation. On January 27, 2015, Si Xue made her way back to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base, only to return to the Hetaoping Giant Panda Wild Training Base once again on March 31 of the same year.

Settle in Shanghai: On September 19, 2017, She was sent to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, where she would continue her life and possibly become a mother.

Bredding Achievements of Panda Si Xue

  • August 15, 2012: Si Xue gave birth to her daughter, Xue Xue (雪雪) (Lineage No. 850), with the father being Lu Lu (芦芦). Tragically, Xue Xue succumbed to an infectious disease shortly after being released into the wild due to pathogenic bacteria.
  • July 12, 2015: She welcomed another daughter, Ying Xue (映雪) (Lineage No. 955), who was released into the wild at the Sichuan Lizijping Nature Reserve, along with Ba Xi (八喜).
  • October 4, 2017: While at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Si Xue gave birth to a son named Xue Bao (雪宝) (Lineage No. 1117).
  • September 13, 2019: Si Xue birthed a male cub at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, but unfortunately, this cub passed away from acute encephalitis on December 18 of the same year.
  • In 2023, Recently, Si Xue gave birth to another cub, which was temporarly named “Si Xue Zai (思雪崽).”

Gallery of Panda Si Xue