Imagine a panda with a personality as playful as it is powerful. Ya Ji (雅吉/Yaji), born in 2014 at the Bifengxia Base, is not your typical panda – he’s a bundle of energy, from smashing swings with his “Kung Fu Panda” moves to snuggling with his pet hedgehog. With a love for carrots and a tail he plays with for hours, Ya Ji’s antics will surely make you fall in love with this charming panda’s adorable and mischievous spirit!
Basic Information
- Name: Ya Ji (雅吉)
- Meaning of the Name: Elegance and Auspice
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: May 26, 2014
- Place of Birth: China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, Bifengxia Base, Ya’an
- Lineage Number: 910
- Mother: Guo Guo (帼帼)
- Siblings: Yao Yao (耀耀), Liang Liang (亮亮), Mei An (美安), Ping Ping (平平), An An (安安), Hua Sheng (花生), Yao Man (姚蔓), Yao Xin (姚欣)
Intriguing Details of Panda Ya Ji
Swinging: Ya Ji loves swinging at Jinan Zoo. However, due to his weight, the swing’s ropes broke, causing him to fall flat on his back. After the fall, Ya Ji instantly became angry and transformed into a “Kung Fu Panda,” smashing the swing with one powerful swipe. He then bit and kicked the swing as if venting all his frustration. Finally, Ya Ji hugged the broken pieces of the swing and rolled around on the ground, leaving people both amused and exasperated. Netizens jokingly suggested, “Ya Ji, if you can’t handle it, just switch to a metal swing like Meng Lan (萌兰)!”
Playing with His Tail: At Wolong Base, Ya Ji’s tail was thinner and longer than those of other pandas. He often played with it, finding it quite bouncy and rhythmic.
Playing with a Hedgehog: At Jinan Zoo, Ya Ji once adopted a hedgehog as a pet. He would cuddle with the hedgehog, rubbing it against his face as though it were his personal scratcher. Even when he slept, he would hold the hedgehog, and when he turned over, he gently carried it in his mouth.
Love for Carrot: Ya Ji is especially fond of carrots. Whenever he saw the zookeepers bringing carrots, he would excitedly rush over to enjoy them.
Life Experience of Panda Ya Ji
Birth: Ya Ji made his entrance into the world in 2014, marking a historic moment as the first panda born in a semi-wild environment. His unique upbringing has allowed him to develop naturally in an environment that closely resembles his natural habitat.
Adoption: In September 2014, Ya Ji was adopted by Wang Lao Ji herbal tea, which launched a grand online naming campaign. The panda was ultimately named “Ya Ji,” meaning “Elegance, Safety, and auspiciousness.”
Relocations: On December 22, 2016, Ya Ji moved to the Wolong Shenshuping Base, where he continued to thrive. By September 30, 2017, he was transferred to the Jinan Zoo, where he quickly adapted to his new surroundings, spreading joy and delight among local visitors.
