Meet Xi Wang (希望), a remarkable male giant panda whose life journey is marked by resilience, adventure, and a touch of mischief. Born on August 11, 2005, at the Wolong China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Xi Wang has experienced a series of significant events that have shaped his remarkable story. From his early days under the care of his renowned mother, Long Xin, to his adventures in various zoos and his return to the protection center, Xi Wang’s life has been a captivating journey that reflects both the challenges and joys of being one of China’s most cherished pandas.
Basic Information
- Name: Xi Wang (希望)
- Meaning of the Name: Hope
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 11, 2005
- Place of Birth: Wolong China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center (Wolong Base)
- Lineage Number: 607
- Mother: Long Xin (龙欣)
- Father: Ying Ying (迎迎)
- Siblings: Fu Ni (福妮), Fu Wa (福娃), Shui Ling (水灵), Qing Feng (清风), You You (佑佑), Han Yuan (汉媛), Hu Xiao (虎啸), Xin Yuan (新媛), Yuan Xin (园欣), Xing Lu (兴路), Mai Mai (迈迈)
Intriguing Details of Panda Xi Wang
Heartwarming Monment: Xi Wang was originally part of a giant panda reintroduction program. However, the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 altered his fate, preventing him from participating in the planned reintroduction. During the earthquake, a touching scene was discovered where Xi Wang and Wei Wei (伟伟) were found huddled together, a moment that captured the hearts of many and became a memorable part of Xi Wang’s life.
The Predator: One notable event occurred on May 2, 2011, at around 8 a.m., when Xi Wang was placed in his outdoor exercise area by a caretaker. While the staff member, Chen Jun, took the opportunity to clean the indoor enclosure, an unusual commotion drew his attention. Chen Jun observed Xi Wang biting a peacock and running around with it. The panda then proceeded to release the peacock, which attempted to escape. However, Xi Wang swiftly captured it again, plucking its long tail feathers and biting its neck while running around. Eventually, Xi Wang placed the nearly lifeless peacock on a perch in his enclosure and watched it. Chen Jun, encountering this rare situation for the first time, used food to lure Xi Wang back into the indoor area and retrieved the peacock. A veterinary examination confirmed that the peacock had died.
Life Experience of Panda Xi Wang
Birth: Xi Wang’s story began in the early morning of August 11, 2005, when he was born to Long Xin, a panda renowned for her motherly care. As her first cub, Xi Wang was nurtured with great attention and affection.
Time in Wuhan: On June 25, 2008, Xi Wang was moved to the Wuhan Zoo to begin his adolescent years. During his time in Wuhan, he enjoyed the company of another giant panda named Wei Wei (伟伟), and together they spent several happy years. His time there lasted until December 8, 2013, when he returned to Sichuan.
Further Relocations: Xi Wang’s journey continued on April 29, 2014, when he was transferred to the Yichang Children’s Park Zoo in Hubei Province for a two-year stay. After returning from Yichang on November 28, 2015, he continued his journey and on December 18, 2017, he, along with Wu Jun (武俊) moved to Panda Island at the Tianyi Lake Flower Sea Scenic Area in Taishan.
Settle in Bifengxia: On February 24, 2024, Xi Wang concluded his external residency and returned to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. This return marked the end of his extensive travels and the beginning of a new chapter back in the familiar environment of the protection center.