If you think all pandas are the same, Wu Yi (五一/Wuyi) is here to change your mind! Born with a heartwarming story of survival, Wu Yi has blossomed into a playful, performing panda whose antics have made him a fan favorite. From his viral pajama moment to the matchmaking mix-up with Mei Lan, this panda has more personality than your average celebrity. He’s not just cute—he’s full of surprises that will steal your heart!
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 striking example of the classic black-and-white giant panda, with a plump, rounded figure and strong, sturdy limbs that give him an endearing bear-next-door charm. His trademark black eye patches accentuate his expressive gaze, while his thick, glossy fur has grown more vibrant with age. As he matured, his impressive physique and bright coat earned him the playful nickname “Handsome Wu,” a title well-deserved by this charismatic panda heartthrob.
The “Performing Panda”: Though he started out shy and a little clumsy in front of crowds, Wu Yi quickly discovered his love for the spotlight. With time, he blossomed into a true star of the panda world. Whether he’s rolling across the grass, nibbling bamboo with exaggerated flair, or tumbling into a playful heap, Wu Yi knows just how to charm his audience. His delightful antics and irresistible personality have made him a crowd favorite—earning him the nickname “The Performing Panda.”
The “Yuan Xiao” Incident: One of the most talked-about moments in Wu Yi’s life was the unexpected drama known online as the “Yuan Xiao Incident.” It began with a typical panda scuffle – Wu Yi got into a spirited fight with another panda named Yuan da (缘大). But things took a turn when their cousin, Yuan Xiao (缘小), accidentally got caught in the crossfire. In a stroke of pure panda misfortune, Yuan Xiao’s leg became trapped in a tree branch and broke. To make matters worse (and funnier in hindsight), part of his fur had to be shaved off for treatment, leaving him looking unusually patchy. After the incident went viral, Yuan Xiao was relocated to Qingdao, where he now lives a quieter, more low-key life – far from the drama of panda celebrity.
The “Mei Lan” Matchmaking Mix-Up: With his charming looks and growing popularity, Wu Yi was once chosen for a high-profile panda matchmaking event with the famous Mei Lan (美兰), who had recently returned from the United States. Everything seemed perfect – two beloved pandas from different corners of the world meeting for potential romance. But then came the twist: Mei Lan, long believed to be female, was actually male, albeit with gentle, feminine behaviors. The surprise sent ripples through the panda fandom, and while the public chuckled at the unexpected pairing, Wu Yi seemed less amused. The mix-up left him a bit downcast, and it took time for him to bounce back from the “romantic disappointment” that never quite blossomed.
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: Among Wu Yi’s most iconic—and adorable—moments was the unforgettable “wearing pajamas” episode. During a public holiday, a child accidentally dropped a pair of soft, brightly colored pajama pants near his enclosure. Ever curious and playful, Wu Yi approached the pants, sniffed them, and began to play. But he didn’t stop there. To the amazement (and laughter) of his audience, Wu Yi somehow managed to wriggle into the pants, looking like a fuzzy fashionista ready for bed.
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.
