Meet Yang Guang (阳光), an extraordinary giant panda whose journey spans across multiple habitats and continents. Born on August 14, 2003, in China, Yang Guang has become a beloved ambassador for his species. His unique life story, marked by various relocations and experiences, showcases the ongoing efforts in panda conservation and the strong bond between humans and these enchanting creatures.
Basic Information
- Name: Yang Guang (阳光)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 564
- Date of Birth: August 14, 2003
- Place of Birth: Wolong Nature Reserve, China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center
- Mother: Long Gu (龙古)
- Mother: Pan Pan (盼盼)
- Siblings: Xi Mei (喜妹), Xiang Xiang (祥祥), Fu Fu (福福), Xin Yue (新月), Tong Tong (彤彤)
Life Experience of Panda Yang Guang
Birthplace and Early Life: Yang Guang was born at the Wolong Nature Reserve, part of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. His early days were spent in a nurturing environment focused on his health and well-being.
Domestic Relocations: On January 31, 2007, Yang Guang was sent to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou. He returned to the Wolong Nature Reserve on March 28, 2008. Later that year, on November 4, he was sent to Handan Zoo. In 2010, Yang Guang moved between Ya’an Bifengxia Base and Qiqihar Longsha Park, ultimately returning to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base in October of the same year.
Journey to the UK: In December 2011, Yang Guang, along with Tian Tian (甜甜), was loaned to Edinburgh Zoo in the UK, beginning a ten-year adventure abroad.
Failed Breeding Attempts: In 2009, Tian Tian successfully gave birth to a pair of twins in China. After arriving abroad, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland attempted to facilitate natural mating between Tian Tian and Yang Guang in 2012, but it was unsuccessful. Following this, Edinburgh Zoo launched an artificial insemination program. However, after six attempts, all efforts ended in failure. In January 2018, Yang Guang underwent a testicular removal surgery to eliminate a tumor. As a result, the possibility of reproduction was permanently ruled out.
Extension of Agreement: According to British media reports, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, would conclude their loan period in the UK on November 28, 2023, and return to China in early December due to the inconvenience caused by COVID-19.
Back to China: On December 4, 2023, Yang Guang left Edinburgh Zoo and safely arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport on December 5, where he was welcomed back to the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center in the Ya’an Base.