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 a uniquely charming look, with small, bird-like black rings around her eyes that give her an expressive and curious gaze. Her round face is complemented by a long snout, making her facial features stand out. Adding to her distinctive appearance, she sports extra black fur on the upper part of her chest and a striking U-shaped black “vest” on her back, making her easy to recognize among her fellow pandas.
Destruction King When Tianjin Zoo prepared for Xi Le’s arrival, they spared no effort in making her feel at home. Fresh grass was laid out in the outdoor area, and a beautiful wooden pavilion was built just for her. However, Xi Le had other plans. The moment she moved in, she wasted no time showing her true nature – digging up the grass with her claws and methodically dismantling the pavilion. What made it even funnier was her calculated approach; instead of destroying everything in one go, she took it apart little by little, as if following a secret demolition schedule. Now, her once-green and cozy enclosure has been reduced to barren ground, with only four lonely wooden pillars standing as remnants of her handiwork.
Falling Off a Bamboo Chair: On a warm, breezy afternoon, Xi Le received a bamboo reclining chair from her caretakers, and her excitement was palpable. Eager to relax, she climbed up onto the chair, but it couldn’t quite handle her weight and toppled over with a dramatic crash. Startled, Xi Le flailed in panic, her awkward tumble sending visitors into fits of laughter. But Xi Le wasn’t one to let embarrassment linger for long. In a burst of frustration, she angrily dismantled the chair, tossing the pieces into a nearby ditch as if to say, “That’s the end of that.”
Destroying Toys: Xi Le’s caretakers, hoping to entertain her, presented her with a gourd-shaped toy, which contained a steamed bun as a tasty surprise. However, Xi Le’s patience wore thin quickly. With a burst of her signature temper, she violently tore the toy apart in seconds, leaving the gourd in pieces and the bun forgotten.
Fishing: XXi Le’s curiosity led her to master a new skill—fishing with a bamboo pole. At first, she was focused and determined, her eyes locked on the water as she carefully maneuvered the pole. However, the calm and peaceful surroundings had an unexpected effect. Xi Le became so relaxed and comfortable in the moment that she gradually drifted off to sleep mid-fishing, the bamboo pole gently resting beside her.
Bamboo Basket Mishap: One day, Xi Le found herself captivated by two bamboo baskets and began to play with them, tossing them around in typical panda fashion. But her fun took a comical turn when she accidentally bumped her head with one of the baskets. Undeterred, Xi Le then attempted to fit her big, round face into one of the baskets, but her chubby cheeks were too much for the basket to handle. After several unsuccessful tries, she paused, giving the situation a bemused look, as if trying to figure out why it wasn’t working.
Pulling Up an Apple Tree: One day, while playfully wandering around, Xi Le accidentally bumped into an apple tree, an incident that seemed to ignite her fiery temper. She started thrashing the tree in frustration, shaking the branches with all her might. After a brief moment of contemplation, her irritation grew even more intense. In a fit of rage, Xi Le returned to the tree and, with a surprising burst of strength, managed to pull the entire tree right out of the ground. The once sturdy apple tree now lay in the dirt, as if she was sending a clear message: don’t mess with Xi Le.
Deep Bond with the Caregiver: Xi Le shares a special bond with her caregiver, Keeper Feng, a connection built on trust and love. One day, when Keeper Feng had to take a sick leave and go to the hospital, Xi Le was visibly unsettled. As the zoo’s operating hours came to a close, the staff tried to guide Xi Le back to her enclosure, but she stubbornly refused to go without seeing Keeper Feng. A two-hour standoff ensued, with Xi Le standing her ground, determined to wait for her beloved caregiver. Eventually, the staff had no choice but to call Keeper Feng to return. When Xi Le saw Keeper Feng appear before her, her mood instantly lifted. Without hesitation, she trotted back to her indoor den in mere minutes, showing just how deep their bond truly runs.
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)
