Xi Le (喜乐/Xile), a playful and spirited panda with a penchant for destruction, was born on July 24, 2013, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Known for her striking appearance – complete with black rings around her eyes and a distinctive U-shaped black “vest” on her back – Xi Le has become a star at Tianjin Zoo. From her early days, she captured the attention of her keepers with her mischievous antics, which included dismantling her pavilion piece by piece, toppling a bamboo chair, and even uprooting an apple tree in a fit of frustration. With a personality as vivid as her appearance, Xi Le continues to charm and entertain her visitors, making her a beloved figure in the panda community.
Basic Information
- Name: Xi Le (喜乐)
- Meaning of the Name: Joy and Happiness
- Birthdate: July 24, 2013
- Birthplace: China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Bifengxia Base, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
- Lineage Number: 877
- Mother: Xi Mei (喜妹)
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Siblings: Chun Chun (春春), Hui Hui (回回), Tao Tao (淘淘), Si Jia (思嘉), Yin Ke (银柯), Zheng Zheng (正正), Hui Hui (辉辉), Ba Xi (八喜), Hao Yue (皓月), Xi Yue (喜悦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Xi Le
Appearance: Xi Le has distinctive features, with small bird-like black rings around her eyes, a round face, and a long snout. She has more black fur on the upper part of her chest, and a U-shaped black “vest” on her back.
Destruction King To welcome Xi Le, Tianjin Zoo laid down fresh grass in the outdoor area and even built a wooden pavilion. However, as soon as Xi Le moved in, she started tearing everything apart – digging up the grass with her claws and dismantling the pavilion. The funniest part is that she didn’t destroy everything at once but instead took it apart little by little each day, as if following her own schedule. Now, her enclosure is completely bare, with only four wooden pillars remaining from the once-standing pavilion.
Falling Off a Bamboo Chair: On a sunny, breezy afternoon, Xi Le was excited to receive a bamboo reclining chair from her caretakers. She eagerly climbed onto it, hoping to lie down and relax. However, the chair couldn’t support her weight and toppled over, causing Xi Le to be startled and flail in panic. This unexpected mishap made visitors burst into laughter. In her frustration, Xi Le angrily dismantled the chair and threw it into a ditch, ending the awkward situation.
Destroying Toys: Xi Le’s caretakers gave her a gourd-shaped toy with a steamed bun hidden inside, hoping she would enjoy playing and snacking. However, Xi Le’s temper flared, and with one violent motion, she dismantled the toy in an instant.
Fishing: Xi Le learned a new skill—using a bamboo pole to fish. However, as she tried to fish, she became so relaxed that she ended up falling asleep mid-activity.
Bamboo Basket Mishap: Xi Le once played with two bamboo baskets and accidentally hit her head with one. The fun didn’t stop there—she then tried to fit her big head into one of the baskets. Unfortunately, her face was too chubby, and she couldn’t squeeze it in, adding a humorous twist to the situation.
Pulling Up an Apple Tree: While playing one day, Xi Le accidentally bumped into an apple tree and became quite angry. She gave the tree a good thrashing, and after a little reflection, she returned and decided to pull the entire tree out of the ground in her fit of rage.
Deep Bond with the Caregiver: Xi Le has always been cared for by Keeper Feng. One time, Keeper Feng had to take a sick leave and go to the hospital for a day. At the end of the zoo’s operating hours, the staff tried to call Xi Le to return to her enclosure, but she refused to go back without seeing Keeper Feng. The standoff lasted for two hours. In the end, the staff had no choice but to call Keeper Feng to come back. Upon seeing Keeper Feng appear in front of her, Xi Le immediately went to her indoor den within minutes.
Life Journey of Panda Xi Le
Early Life: Xi Le was born on July 24, 2013, at the Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Ya’an. From a young age, it was clear that Xi Le was destined for a remarkable journey. In April 2015, at just under two years old, Xi Le moved to the Dujiangyan Base of the same research center to continue its growth and development.
Move to Tianjin: By October 13, 2015, Xi Le began a new chapter of its life as it was transferred to Tianjin Zoo. There, Xi Le quickly captured the hearts of many with its charming personality and adorable antics, earning the affectionate nickname “The Second Princess of Bailitai” from its fans.
10th Birthday Celebration: On July 24, 2023, Xi Le celebrated its tenth birthday. The Tianjin Zoo organized a special birthday feast for the beloved panda, and the event attracted numerous visitors and fans eager to celebrate this milestone with Xi Le. The zoo prepared a feast of fresh bamboo, fruits, and cakes, making the day a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
11th Birthday Celebration: On July 24, 2024, Tianjin Zoo’s star giant panda “Xi Le” celebrated her 11th birthday. The zoo hosted a special birthday party themed “Hot and Spicy Rolling, Peaceful Every Year,” creating a joyful and warm atmosphere.
News about Panda Xi Le
- Giant Pandas Want to Play in the Snow? Tianjin Zoo Says: “No Problem!” (28-12-2024)
- Happy Birthday to Tianjin’s Star Giant Panda, “Xi Le” Turns 11! (24-08-2024)