Xing Chen (星辰) is a female giant panda born on June 23, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. As the 1,000th panda to be cataloged in the panda genealogy, Xing Chen holds a special place in the panda community. Known for her striking appearance and strong survival instincts, she has undergone extensive training in preparation for reintroduction into the wild. Xing Chen’s journey from a newborn cub to a candidate for release into the wild reflects the dedication and efforts made in giant panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: Xing Chen (星辰)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 1000
- Date of Birth: June 23, 2016
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Xing Ya (星雅)
- Twin Brother: Xing Guang (星光)
Appearance
Xing Chen is known for her exceptionally white fur, which makes her stand out among other pandas. Her eye patches are particularly large, with the outer edges extending upward, giving her eyes a shape that resembles a “magatama” (a traditional curved bead). This unique feature enhances her overall beauty, making her one of the most visually striking pandas.
Growth and Development
Early Childhood
From a very young age, Xing Chen displayed remarkable vitality and adaptability. She was one of the first in her cohort to learn how to walk and climb trees, demonstrating strong physical capabilities and a competitive spirit. Xing Chen and her twin brother, Xing Guang, grew up under the attentive care of their mother, Xing Ya. Xing Ya exhibited strong maternal instincts, skillfully nurturing both of her cubs simultaneously, ensuring they both thrived during their early years.
Reintroduction Training
In an effort to bolster the wild giant panda population, Xing Chen was selected to participate in a reintroduction training program. In March 2017, she and her mother were transferred to the “Panda Valley” at the Dujiangyan Field Research Center, where Xing Chen began her semi-wild training. During this period, she learned essential survival skills such as finding food and water, improving her physical fitness, and heightening her awareness of potential dangers in the wild.
On December 6, 2018, Xing Chen was officially moved to the Daxiangling Field Reintroduction Research Base to continue her training.
Currently, Xing Chen is undergoing further reintroduction training at this base. Researchers closely monitor her behavior, habitat use, and health through GPS collars, radio tracking, infrared cameras, and direct observations. While Xing Chen is still in the process of being fully prepared for release into the wild, she has already shown significant progress in adapting to a wild environment and developing the necessary survival skills.
