Wei Wei (伟伟/Weiwei)’s journey is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. Born in 2005 at the Wolong Walnut Flat Wild Release Training Base, he showed resilience from the very start. Through trials like the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and struggles with health, his story unfolds with moments of strength and tenderness. From protecting a fellow panda to winning hearts in Wuhan, Wei Wei’s tale of survival, recovery, and compassion will captivate any panda lover.
Basic Information
- Name: Wei Wei (伟伟)
- Genealogy Number: 619
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 29, 2005
- Place of Birth: China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Wolong Walnut Flat Wild Release Training Base
- Father: Ling Ling (灵灵)
- Mother: Hua Mei (华美)
- Twin Sister: Ting Ting (婷婷)
- Siblings: Tuan Tuan (团团), Mei Ling (美灵), Hua Long (华龙), Hua Ao (华奥), Hao Hao (好好), Yang Hu (阳虎), Jia Jia (嘉嘉), Hua Rong (华荣), Yi Yi (壹壹), Jiu Jiu (玖玖), Meng Meng (盟盟), Jin Du Du (金嘟嘟)
Life Experience of Panda Wei Wei
Early Life: Wei Wei spent his early life at the Wolong Walnut Flat Wild Release Training Base, where he was raised in a naturalistic environment to prepare for potential reintroduction into the wild. He developed into a healthy and strong young panda.
Wenchuan Earthquake: In May 2008, the devastating Sichuan earthquake caused massive destruction at the Wolong Panda Base, resulting in the loss of infrastructure and the displacement of pandas and caretakers alike. During the aftermath of the earthquake, Wei Wei, along with another panda named “Xi Wang” (希望), was initially lost. When he was found, Wei Wei was discovered protecting Xi Wang, a poignant moment that showed the deep bond between these two pandas.
Temporary Foster Care in Wuhan: Due to the severe damage to Wolong, a number of pandas, including Wei Wei, were temporarily relocated. Wei Wei was sent to Wuhan Zoo, where he would stay for an extended period of time.
Health Concerns: During his time in Wuhan, Wei Wei quickly became one of the zoo’s star attractions. However, despite his success in drawing crowds, Wei Wei’s health was a subject of concern for the zoo’s staff and the public, especially after certain images of him appeared on social media showing him in a thinner state, sparking concern among panda enthusiasts.
Return to Sichuan: After a decade in Wuhan, Wei Wei’s health had deteriorated, and he was struggling with weight loss and other health issues. On June 20, 2018, Wei Wei finally returned to Sichuan after spending ten years in Wuhan Zoo. After his return, Wei Wei underwent a period of rehabilitation to restore his health, and with time, his condition improved significantly.
Recovery: In addition to physical rehabilitation, Wei Wei was provided with professional veterinary care and a specialized diet to address the issues he had faced during his years in Wuhan. His recovery process was closely monitored, and the center’s staff worked diligently to ensure his well-being, gradually improving his physical strength and health.
Move to Nanjing: Wei Wei’s life continued with new experiences when he was transferred to Nanjing’s Tangshan Ziqinghu Wild Animal World in August 2019 for exhibition and exchange purposes.
Non-Exhibitions Area: However, due to his increasing health concerns, particularly high blood pressure and eye issues, Wei Wei returned to Dujiangyan in October 2021 for more specialized care. At Dujiangyan, Wei Wei received treatment from expert veterinarians, and his health was carefully managed. He currently resides in the Walnut Flat non-exhibition area, where he continues to live in a peaceful environment while receiving ongoing care and attention.
