Panda Yang Yang (阳阳) is a remarkable female giant panda known not only for her successful breeding achievements but also for her unique artistic skills. Born on August 10, 2000, at the Wolong Giant Panda Research Center in China, Yang Yang has spent much of her life as an international ambassador for panda conservation. Her journey has taken her to Austria’s Schönbrunn Zoo, where she became a beloved figure and contributed to the global effort of panda preservation. Her incredible story of motherhood, including giving birth to Europe’s first naturally conceived panda cubs in captivity, along with her surprising talent for painting, has made her a global sensation. After spending over two decades abroad, Yang Yang returned to China in September 2024, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life.
Basic Information
- Name: Yang Yang (阳阳)
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 514
- Date of Birth: August 10, 2000
- Place of Birth: Wolong Panda Research Center, China
- Father: Da Di (大地)
- Mother: Ying Ying (英英)
Life Journey
Yang Yang’s journey to Austria began in 2003, when she and another male panda, Long Hui (龙徽), were sent from the Wolong Panda Research Center to the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna. This move was part of a 10-year agreement between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and Austria’s Schönbrunn Zoo for collaborative panda breeding research. The arrival of Yang Yang and Long Hui marked the start of a significant partnership between China and Austria aimed at panda conservation.
In 2013, the initial 10-year agreement was renewed for another decade, allowing Yang Yang to remain in Austria as part of the breeding program. Sadly, in 2016, Long Hui passed away during a surgery-related incident. Following his death, another male panda, Yuan Yuan (园园), joined Yang Yang at the zoo in 2019 to continue the research and conservation efforts. After spending four years together, Yang Yang and Yuan Yuan were set to return to China in 2024.
On September 14, 2024, after years of living abroad, Yang Yang safely arrived back in Chengdu, China, marking a new chapter in her life after a highly successful tenure abroad.
Breeding Achievements
Yang Yang is most famous for her contributions to the giant panda population through her successful breeding in captivity. Over the years, she and her mate Long Hui welcomed several cubs, breaking records in Europe for natural conception and births in a controlled environment.
- 2007: On August 23, 2007, Yang Yang and Long Hui welcomed twin panda cubs, but unfortunately, one of the cubs did not survive. The surviving cub, named Fu Long (福龙), became the first giant panda in 25 years to be naturally conceived and born in captivity in Europe. Fu Long returned to China in 2009.
- 2010: On August 23, 2010, Yang Yang gave birth to another set of twins. Sadly, once again, one cub did not survive. The surviving cub, named Fu Hu (福虎), was the second naturally conceived panda cub born in Europe. Fu Hu returned to China in 2012.
- 2013: On March 14, 2013, Yang Yang gave birth to a male cub named Fu Bao (福豹), who returned to China in November 2015.
- 2016: On August 7, 2016, Yang Yang gave birth to another set of twins, Fu Ban (福伴) and Fu Feng (福凤). These were the first twins born to a captive panda outside of China through natural conception. Remarkably, both cubs survived, and Yang Yang became the first panda to successfully raise twins in captivity. Fu Ban and Fu Feng returned to China in December 2018.
Through her years in Austria, Yang Yang gave birth to five cubs, setting a record for natural conception among captive pandas in Europe. Her success in breeding was a significant achievement for global conservation efforts and contributed greatly to the protection of giant pandas.
Unique Skills
Aside from her impressive contributions to panda conservation, Yang Yang became famous for a unique and unexpected skill – painting. She gained international recognition as the first panda capable of holding a paintbrush and creating artwork. Schönbrunn Zoo capitalized on this newfound talent by selling 100 of her paintings online, with each one priced at €490 (around ¥3,900). Proceeds from these sales went to a dedicated fund that supported panda conservation efforts. This artistic achievement earned Yang Yang the title of “the first panda in the world capable of creating her own artwork,” further solidifying her status as a remarkable animal.