Wu Yi (五一), formerly known as Zhen Xiao (珍小), is a male giant panda whose remarkable life story and playful personality have made him a beloved figure both in China and among panda enthusiasts worldwide. Born on August 7, 2006, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wu Yi’s journey from being the lightest panda cub ever recorded to becoming a lively and interactive star at the Dujiangyan Panda Valley has captivated the hearts of many. His resilience and charm have earned him a special place in the panda community, as well as a loyal fanbase who affectionately call him “Wu Yanzu” and “Handsome Wu.”
Basic Information
- Name: Wu Yi (五一)
- Former Name: Zhen Xiao (珍小)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 7, 2006
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Qi Zhen (奇珍)
- Father: Lin Lin (琳琳)
- Twin Brother: Zhen Da (珍大)
- iblings: San You (三优), Zhen Duo (珍多), Zhen Hao (珍好), Qiao Qiao (巧巧), Zhen Qiao (珍巧), Zhen Zhen (珍珍), Huan Huan (欢欢), Bei Bei (贝贝)
Intriguing Details of Panda Wu Yi
Appearance: Wu Yi is a classic black-and-white giant panda with a rounded body, sturdy limbs, and the iconic black eye patches. As he grew, his body size increased, and his fur became even more vibrant, earning him the nick name “Hansome Wu”
The “Performing Panda”: As Wu Yi grew older, he began participating in public events and exhibitions. Initially, he was a bit shy and awkward in front of strangers, but it didn’t take long for his natural love for performing to shine through. He became known for rolling around, eating, and playing in front of visitors, entertaining everyone with his adorable antics.
The “Yuan Xiao” Incident: Wu Yi once got into a fight with another panda named “Yuan da (缘大),” which led to an accidental injury to his cousin, “Yuan Xiao (缘小).” Yuan Xiao’s leg got caught in a tree branch and broke, and his fur was shaved off for treatment. The incident became a viral sensation online, and Yuan Xiao was humorously nicknamed “Le Shui” (乐水), and later moved to Qingdao to live a more low-profile life.
The “Mei Lan” Matchmaking Mix-Up: Wu Yi was selected for a matchmaking event with Mei Lan (美兰), who had just returned from the U.S., due to his high popularity and good looks. However, it was soon discovered that Mei Lan was actually male, although exhibiting female-like behavior. Despite this, Wu Yi struggled to recover from the disappointment of this “failed romance.”
The “Wearing Pajamas” Incident: One of the most memorable and amusing moments involving Wu Yi was the “wearing pajamas” incident. During a public holiday, a child accidentally dropped a pair of bright, soft pajama pants near Wu Yi’s enclosure. Intrigued by the colorful and soft material, Wu Yi sniffed them and began playing with them. Eventually, he managed to put the entire pair of pajama pants on, much to the amusement of onlookers.
Life Experience of Panda Wu Yi
Birth and Naming: Wu Yi was born weighing just 51 grams, making him the lightest panda cub ever recorded at the time, only a third of his twin brother Zhen Da’s weight. His name “Wu Yi” reflects this unique circumstance. Due to his extremely low birth weight, his mother Qi Zhen did not immediately notice him, leading researchers to step in and place Wu Yi in an incubator for intensive care.
Growth Process: After spending nine days in the incubator, Wu Yi passed the critical period and was returned to his mother’s care on August 16, 2006. Under the dedicated care of the zookeepers, Wu Yi thrived, and within three weeks, his weight had increased to 16 times his birth weight, eventually catching up in size with his brother Zhen Da.
Relocations: On September 14, 2010, Wu Yi was sent to Wuxi Zoo for a short-term exchange program. In 2013, Wu Yi returned to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In 2017, Wu Yi was relocated to Dujiangyan Panda Valley, where he has lived ever since.