Panda Xiao Xiao (晓晓), a vibrant male giant panda, has captured the hearts of visitors at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo since his birth on June 23, 2021. Born alongside his twin sister, Lei Lei, Xiao Xiao represents a significant milestone as the first pair of twin giant pandas ever born at the zoo. With a lively and curious disposition, Xiao Xiao has grown up under the attentive care of his mother, Xian Nu, delighting audiences with his playful antics and charming personality.
Basic Information
- Name: Xiao Xiao (晓晓)
- Date of Birth: June 23, 2021
- Gender: Male
- Place of Birth: Ueno Zoo, Tokyo, Japan
- Father: Bi Li (比力)
- Mother: Xian Nu (仙女)
- Twin Sister: Lei Lei (蕾蕾)
Naming Process
On June 23, 2021, Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei were born at Ueno Zoo, marking a historic moment as the zoo’s first pair of twin giant pandas. This remarkable event garnered significant media attention and public interest. To commemorate their arrival, the zoo organized a public naming contest, inviting submissions from over 190,000 participants. Ultimately, the male cub was named “Xiao Xiao,” while the female cub was named “Lei Lei,” reflecting their charming personalities and the joy they brought to the zoo.
Growth Experience
Early Childhood: After their birth, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei quickly began life together under the nurturing care of their mother, Xian Nu. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the zookeepers, both cubs grew up healthy and strong, engaging in playful antics and climbing trees as they explored their surroundings. Their sibling bond was evident as they often played together, climbing and tumbling in their enclosure.
First Public Appearance: On January 12, 2022, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei made their much-anticipated debut before visitors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the zoo limited attendance to a select group of pre-registered guests, yet the adorable twins drew a significant crowd eager to catch a glimpse of their playful nature. Their charming antics left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to attend.
Independence Training: As Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei continued to grow, the zoo initiated training programs aimed at fostering their independence. Reports from Kyodo News on March 23, 2023, indicated that the twin pandas were successfully transitioning to independent living. Starting from March 20, they began spending the entire day separated from their mother, Xian Nu. On April 16, 2024, the zoo made the decision to house and exhibit them separately to further enhance their self-sufficiency and adaptive skills.
Personality Traits
Xiao Xiao is known for his lively and active demeanor, exhibiting a strong sense of curiosity about the world around him. His playful nature often leads him to explore his environment, demonstrating a keen interest in new experiences. Compared to his twin sister Lei Lei, Xiao Xiao is notably more energetic and mischievous, delighting visitors with his spirited antics and charming personality.
