Xing Chen (星辰/Xingchen) isn’t just a panda – she’s a pioneer. With her striking white fur and mesmerizing “magatama” eye patches, she looks like she stepped out of a legend. But her story is even more extraordinary. From the comfort of Chengdu to the challenges of the wild, she embarked on a journey of survival, learning to fend for herself in nature. Now, she roams free, carrying the hopes of conservationists on her strong, determined paws.
Basic Information
- Name: Xing Chen (星辰)
- Meaning of the Name: Shining Star
- 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)
- Father: Mei Lan (美兰)
- Twin Brother: Xing Guang (星光)
- Siblings: Ya Yi (雅一), Ya Er (雅二)
Intriguing Details of Panda Xing Chen
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).
Life Experience of Panda Xing Chen
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. Her mother, 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.
Move to Daxinagling Ridge: On December 6, 2018, Xing Chen was officially moved to the Daxiangling Field Reintroduction Research Base to continue her training.
Back to the Wild: In 2023, Xing Chen was officially released to the wild. Researchers closely monitor her behavior, habitat use, and health through GPS collars, radio tracking, infrared cameras, and direct observations.
