Panda Tao Tao: The Floppy Ears

Panda Tao Tao

Tao Tao (淘淘) is a vibrant and intelligent giant panda with a distinctive charm. Born on August 12, 2006, at the Walnut Grove Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, Tao Tao has captivated hearts with his playful spirit and unique appearance. Known affectionately as “Pa Er Duo” for his floppy ears, Tao Tao’s journey has taken him from his early days of wild training to becoming an Olympic ambassador in Beijing and traveling across various panda bases and zoos. His remarkable story, including his attempts at wild release, underscores his significance in giant panda conservation and his enduring appeal to visitors worldwide.

Basic Information

Intriguing Details of Panda Tao Tao

Appearance: Tao Tao’s nickname is “Pa Er Duo (趴耳朵)” (meaning “Floppy Ears”), referring to his large head and wide-set ears, which often appear floppy. He inherited his mother’s remarkable beauty and is considered one of the most handsome pandas in the panda world.

Earthquake Hero: When the 2008 earthquake struck, Tao Tao fled to safety with her younger brother and sister, saving 13 panda cubs’ lives. He was hailed as the “Little Earthquake Hero.”

Cautious and Timid: Tao Tao is incredibly timid. One morning, a wild chicken accidentally wandered into the area where Tao Tao was resting. Hearing the sound, the sleepy Tao Tao was startled and immediately jumped up. With his short legs moving quickly and his large body swaying, his scrambled up a tree in a flash. Once up there, he kept her head poking out to look around, not daring to come down for several hours.

Refuse Taking Medicine: Tao Tao is also very clever. Every two months, the zookeepers need to deworm him, but it’s always a battle of wits. The keepers have tried hiding the deworming medicine in various foods—like sandwiching it in a bun, covering it with honey, or hiding it in bamboo shoots or apples. However, Tao Tao always manages to cleverly avoid the medicine and only enjoy the tasty treats.

Life Experience of Panda Tao Tao

Birth and Early Years: Tao Tao was born and spent his early years at the Walnut Grove Wild Training Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

Olympic Panda: In 2008, Tao Tao was selected as one of the “Olympic Pandas” by online voters and flew to Beijing Zoo with seven other pandas on May 24, 2008, to become an “Olympic Ambassador.” During his stay at Beijing Zoo, he brought joy to visitors along with other pandas.

Various Relocations: Tao Tao has lived at multiple panda conservation bases and zoos, including the Bifengxia Base, Taizhou Wenling Changyu Dongtian Panda House, Dujiangyan Base, and Guang’an Huaying Mountain Panda Wild Training Base.

Settling at Ulanqab: On September 29, 2019, he traveled to the Linhu Ancient Tourism Area in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, along with pandas Yun Tao (云涛), Mei Xin (美欣), and Duo Duo (朵朵).

Birthday Celebration: On August 10 and 12, 2023, Tao Tao and Mei Xin celebrated their 17th birthdays in Linhu, marking their fourth birthday there. The panda base organized a special birthday party attended by keepers and fans from across the country.

Gallery of Panda Tao Tao