Ya Yi (雅一/Yayi), affectionately known as the “Yoga Queen” and “Guangzhou Landlady,” is a playful and energetic panda whose distinct appearance and lively antics have made her a social media sensation. Born on August 27, 2013, at the Chengdu Research Base, she has since charmed visitors at Guangzhou Zoo with her acrobatic skills, selective eating habits, and a love for interacting with people, proving to be a true “social butterfly” in her new home.
Basic Information
- Name: Ya Yi (雅一)
- Meaning of the Name: The First Kid of Ya Family
- Aliases: Yoga Queen (瑜伽女王), Guangzhou Landlady (广州包租婆)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 903
- Date of Birth: August 27, 2013
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Current Residence: Guangzhou Zoo
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Mother: Xing Ya (星雅)
- Twin Brother: Ya Er (雅二)
- Siblings: Xing Yi (星一), Xing Er (星二), and He Sheng (和盛)
Intriguing Details of Panda Ya Yi
Appearance: Ya Yi is instantly recognizable with her round face, elongated snout, and lack of a nose ring. She has distinctive narrow shoulder straps, a black-tipped tail, and strikingly white fur on her feet. Her unique look has earned her internet fame, with fans dubbing her the “Guangdong Landlady” for her relaxed yet commanding presence, especially when she lounges on tree trunks with an air of effortless authority.
Curiosity: Ya Yi’s inquisitive nature often leads to unexpected adventures. On March 12, 2023, she made headlines at Guangzhou Zoo when she was spotted drinking from a visitor’s dropped beverage bottle at the panda viewing area. The incident quickly went viral, cementing her reputation as an endlessly curious and mischievous panda.
Yoga Queen: True to her energetic and playful personality, Ya Yi is a master of movement. She is not only a skilled tree climber and somersault enthusiast but also a “soccer star” – dribbling and passing the ball with surprising agility. Beyond that, she has a talent for “aerial yoga,” effortlessly hanging from ropes, curling into a perfect ball, and spinning with impressive grace, showcasing her flexibility and athleticism in ways few pandas can.
Picky Eater: Ya Yi has a refined palate and isn’t afraid to show it. When faced with a pile of bamboo, she meticulously sorts through each piece, selecting only the finest ones to eat. In the sweltering summer, her caretaker once prepared a cooling bitter melon feast, cleverly sandwiching the bitter melon between slices of sweet pumpkin. However, after just one bite, Ya Yi was not impressed – she promptly picked out every piece of bitter melon and flung them aside with expert precision, making it clear that she had no interest in the “healthy option.”
Social Butterfly: With her lively and affectionate nature, Ya Yi is the definition of a social butterfly. She thrives on human interaction, becoming noticeably more energetic as more visitors gather around. When complimented as a “beautiful girl,” she playfully lowers her head and twists her body, striking an adorable, bashful pose like a shy young lady. Always the entertainer, she actively engages with her audience, moving along the glass from left to right to ensure everyone gets their fair share of attention – a true performer at heart!
Life Experience of Panda Ya Yi
Birth: Ya Yi and her twin brother Ya Er were born on August 27, 2013, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
First Move: On January 29, 2016, Ya Yi and her cousin Xing Yi moved from Chengdu to Guangzhou Zoo, making their first public appearance and succeeding the previous twin pandas, Wen Li (文莉) and Wen Ya (文雅), at the zoo.
Temporary Return: In January 2017, due to renovations at Guangzhou Zoo’s panda enclosure, Ya Yi and Xing Yi returned temporarily to Chengdu.
Return to Guangzhou: On January 18, 2018, Ya Yi and Xing Yi flew back to Guangzhou to settle into the newly renovated panda exhibit.
Birthday Celebration: On August 23, 2022, Guangzhou Zoo celebrated Ya Yi’s ninth birthday with a special party, inviting sixth-grade students from Guangzhou Zhongxing Primary School to join the festivities and prepare a unique celebration for the panda siblings.
