Panda Xian Xian (贤贤) is a female giant panda born on August 15, 2014, at the Hetaoping Wild Panda Training Base in Wolong, Sichuan Province. With a lineage rich in heritage and ties to a well-respected giant panda conservation family, Xian Xian has become an important figure in the panda world. She has traveled to different locations, participated in breeding programs, and undergone wild training as part of efforts to prepare her for the challenges of a semi-wild environment. Over the years, Xian Xian has captured the hearts of panda enthusiasts worldwide through her involvement in conservation initiatives and even media appearances.
Basic Information
- Name: Xian Xian (贤贤)
- Date of Birth: August 15, 2014
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wild Panda Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan
- Pedigree Number: 935
- Mother: Gong Zhu (公主)
- Siblings: Jun Zhu (郡主), Ge Ge (格格), Ya Ao (雅奥), Li Li (丽丽), Bi Li (比力), Huan Huan (欢欢), Zhu Ling (竹灵), Zhu Hai (竹海), Yun Yun (运运), Shan Hu (山虎), Wu Wen (武雯), Qi Qi (七七), etc.
- Children: Xian Xian 2023 A (贤贤2023大仔) and Xian Xian 2023 B (贤贤2023小仔)
Name Origin
On May 16, 2015, Mr. Kenji Miyahara (宫原贤次), Honorary Advisor of Sumitomo Corporation, visited the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. In recognition of Mr. Miyahara’s longstanding contributions to China’s legal system and the strong ties he helped foster between China and Japan, he was given the privilege of naming the panda cub. He chose the name “Xian (贤)” from his own name, symbolizing the wish for the panda to grow up healthy and wise. The name also carries the hope for the birth of more giant panda cubs in the future.
Life Experience
Early Years: Like other panda cubs, Xian Xian spent her early years under the care of the dedicated staff at the panda conservation center. During this time, she learned important survival skills, such as eating bamboo and climbing trees. Her playful nature and curiosity helped her develop into a strong and healthy panda.
Adulthood: As Xian Xian grew, she matured into a lively and energetic adult panda. She was relocated to different panda bases to contribute to various conservation programs and for public exhibitions. Notably, she spent time at the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center, where she participated in research and breeding programs. She was later exhibited at the Dezhou Zoo and the Shijiazhuang Zoo, where she became a popular attraction, delighting visitors with her charm and grace.
Wild Training: Xian Xian’s journey also included a period of wild training, where she learned how to survive in a more natural environment without human assistance. This training aimed to prepare her for a potential return to the wild, an important part of conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the species.
Return to Sichuan: After completing her exhibition at the Shijiazhuang Zoo, Xian Xian returned to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda on June 29, 2022. There, she continued her involvement in conservation activities, and her return marked a new chapter in her life.
Motherhood: In 2023, Xian Xian gave birth to a pair of twin cubs, affectionately known as “Xian Xian 2023 A” and “Xian Xian 2023 B.” This marked a significant milestone in her life, as she successfully entered the next phase of her journey as a mother. Her nurturing and protective nature towards her cubs made her a standout among the panda mothers at the center.
Second Wild Training: In July 2024, Xian Xian and her twin cubs embarked on the second phase of wild training, which was documented in the popular series Panda Family. This phase aims to further prepare them for the challenges of living in the wild while still receiving support from the center’s experts.
Participation in Media
Xian Xian is no stranger to the spotlight. She was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary Born in China, where she portrayed the beloved panda “Mei Mei.” Filming for the documentary took place across multiple seasons from 2014 onward and covered some of China’s most stunning landscapes. The documentary captured the lives of several rare species native to China, including pandas, golden monkeys, snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and red-crowned cranes. The production was filmed in various nature reserves, such as Wolong, Foping, Zhouzhi, Shennongjia, and Kekexili, giving audiences a breathtaking view of China’s diverse natural beauty.
