Xiao Xiao (晓晓/Xiaoxiao) is the mischievous little adventurer who makes every moment an exciting discovery. Born as one of Ueno Zoo’s first-ever twin pandas, his playful energy and curious nature have already captured the hearts of many. From tree-climbing feats to his hilarious, inquisitive antics, Xiao Xiao never fails to entertain – showing us just how enchanting life can be through the eyes of a young panda.
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)
- Sibling: Xiang Xiang (香香)
Life Experience of Panda Xiao Xiao
Early Childhood: After their birth, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei quickly began life together under the nurturing care of their mother, Xian Nu. Compared to his twin sister Lei Lei, Xiao Xiao is notably more energetic and mischievous
Name Origin: 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.
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.
Early Life: As Xiao Xiao grew older, his tree-climbing skills improved significantly. By the age of 166 days, he was already able to climb trees and play with ease, becoming more skilled and able to climb even higher than before. He showed great interest in the “panda dumplings” specially made for his mother, Xian Nu, using ingredients like corn flour. Xiao Xiao even took a bite to taste them, but he didn’t actually eat them – he was just curious about the flavor.
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.
