Panda Xing Er (星二/Xing’er), born in Chengdu on August 23, 2013, has become a beloved, yet surprisingly elusive figure at Copenhagen Zoo. Known for his endearing personality and a love of food that often overshadows romance, Xing Er’s attempts at courtship with his mate, Mao Sun, have been a comical saga of missed moments and unrequited interest. His journey has sparked both amusement and hope among fans who cheer for his evolving, albeit slow, pursuit of love.
Basic Information
- Name: Xing Er (星二)
- Meaning of the Name: The Second Kid of Xing Family
- 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
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Mother: Xing Rong (星蓉)
- Twin Brother: Xing Yi (星一)
- Wife: Mao Sun (毛笋)
- Current Residence: Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark
The Bachelor Life of Panda Xing Er
Every year during the panda mating season, Xing Er becomes the center of attention. However, his “dates” with Mao Sun are always full of disappointment. Xing Er seems more interested in food than love. Whenever Mao Sun is ready, he remains lost in his own world, showing little interest in romance.
In order to help Xing Er and Mao Sun successfully mate, the Copenhagen Zoo has gone to great lengths. They arranged for the two pandas to meet in advance, and even “borrowed” the urine of male pandas from other European zoos, spraying it around the panda enclosure in hopes of stimulating Xing Er and awakening his competitive instincts.
Despite all these efforts, Xing Er and Mao Sun’s romantic journey has been filled with twists and turns. They always seem to miss the right moment, repeatedly failing to connect. While Xing Er appears somewhat “clueless” about romance, over time, he has started to mature and evolve.
In recent years, Xing Er has become more proactive in approaching Mao Sun. Though Mao Sun occasionally ignores his advances, fans have begun to notice the subtle shifts in their relationship. Panda enthusiasts in Denmark are eagerly watching their progress, filling social media with likes and comments, cheering for the panda couple and hoping for a successful pairing.
Life Experience of Panda Xing Er
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.
International Exchange: On April 4, 2019, Xing Er traveled to Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark, with female panda Mao Sun, starting his 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.
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.
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.