Panda Xing Er: Little Bald Head

Panda Xing Er

Xing Er (星二), affectionately known as Little Bald Head, is a male giant panda born on August 23, 2013, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Now residing at Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark, Xing Er has charmed both keepers and visitors with his lively personality and love for climbing trees and relaxing in bamboo piles. Since moving to Denmark in 2019 with his wife, Mao Sun, Xing Er has become a beloved figure, known for his engaging behavior and notable escape incident, which only added to his endearing charm.

Basic Information

  • Name: Xing Er (星二)
  • Alias: Little Bald Head (小光头仔)
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: August 23, 2013
  • Lineage Number: 900
  • Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Current Residence: Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark
  • Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
  • Mother: Panda Xing Rong (星蓉)
  • Twin Brother: Xing Yi (星一)
  • Wife: Mao Sun (毛笋) (arrived in Copenhagen Zoo in 2019 with Xing Er)
  • Cousins: Ya Yi (雅一) and Ya Er (雅二)

Growth Experience

  • Birth and Early Life: Xing Er was born on August 23, 2013, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, growing up alongside his twin brother Xing Yi.
  • Personality Traits: Xing Er is lively and enjoys climbing trees, bathing, and interacting with people. He loves eating apples and steamed buns, and especially likes sleeping in bamboo piles.
  • International Exchange: On April 4, 2019, Xing Er traveled to Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark, with female panda Mao Sun, starting his life abroad.

Life Abroad

  • Welcome Ceremony: On April 10, 2019, Copenhagen Zoo held an official welcome ceremony for Xing Er and Mao Sun, attended by Queen Margrethe II, who cut the ribbon for the panda exhibit.
  • Adjustment: Xing Er quickly adapted to his new environment in Copenhagen Zoo, charming keepers and visitors with his cheerful demeanor.
  • Breeding Attempts: Since moving to Denmark, Xing Er and Mao Sun have made several attempts at natural breeding, but none have been successful. The zoo has tried various methods to stimulate Xing Er, including using urine from other male pandas, but with limited results.

Notable Events

  • Escape Incident: On June 8, 2020, Xing Er escaped from the panda enclosure at Copenhagen Zoo. After wandering around the park for a while, he was found by staff, tranquilized, and safely returned to the enclosure. He was unharmed by the incident.
  • Social Interaction: Xing Er and Mao Sun’s interactions are a major focus for visitors and fans. Despite the challenges in breeding, their companionship and daily interactions have created a special “panda bond.”