Xiu Qiu (绣球/Xiuqiu)’s story is a blend of resilience, tenderness, and natural beauty that captures the essence of the panda spirit. Born in a wild training base amidst the rain, her mother sheltered her with the utmost care, symbolizing Xiu Qiu’s strong and protective nature. Over the years, she has blossomed into a devoted mother, tenderly guarding her cubs, making her a standout star in the panda world.
Basic Information
- Name: Xiu Qiu (绣球)
- Meaning of the Name: Silk Ball
- Gender: Female
- Pedigree Number: 1045
- Birth Date: September 5, 2016
- Birthplace: Walnut Flat Wild Training Base, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Father: Xiang Ge (香格)
- Mother: Shui Xiu (水秀)
- Siblings: Ao Ao (傲傲), Feng Feng (峰峰), Yi Ran (怡然), Yi Chang (怡畅), Hua Yang (华阳), Lu Lu (禄禄), Xi Xi (禧禧), Xiu Yang (秀阳)
Life Experience of Panda Xiu Qiu
Birth Story: Xiu Qiu is the ninth cub of Shui Xiu, born at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base. This was also the first time Shui Xiu gave birth in a semi-wild environment. It is said that there was continuous rainfall on the day of Xiu Qiu’s birth, and Shui Xiu gave birth without any shelter. To prevent the cub from getting wet, Shui Xiu placed Xiu Qiu in her only dry spot – her armpit. As Xiu Qiu grew, she joined her mother in the wild training program.
Stereotypic Behavior: Previously residing at the Wolong Shenshu Ping Base, Xiu Qiu exhibited a variety of stereotypic behaviors, such as walking in circles and occasionally rubbing against the ground. (What is Stereotypic Behavior in Giant Pandas?).
First Litter: On September 21, 2021, Xiu Qiu gave birth to her daughter, You You (优悠), at the Wolong Shenshuping Base. She tightly protected her baby, even using her paws and feet to hide the cub in her embrace. This made it very difficult for the keepers to extract the cub for a health check, showcasing her deep motherly love.
Move to Chengdu: In 2023, Xiu Qiu moved to Chengdu Breding Research Base, preparing for another breeding attempt.
Second Litter: In 2024, Xiu Qiu gave birth again in the Xingxing Maternity Ward at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base. The cub was named Xiu Li (秀丽), with the English name Shirley.
