Panda Yang Yang (洋洋), affectionately known by his nickname “Jiu Jiu,” is one of the most famous pandas that has lived abroad, particularly in the United States. His journey from China to Atlanta Zoo and his experiences over the years have made him a symbol of international panda conservation efforts. Born on September 9, 1997, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Yang Yang has had an adventurous and impactful life. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, his time in the U.S. helped foster greater understanding and love for pandas across the globe. His anticipated return to China in 2024 marks the end of a long chapter in his life, filled with cooperation, care, and hope for the continued survival of giant pandas.
Basic Information
- Chinese Name: Yang Yang (洋洋)
- Nickname: Jiu Jiu (九九)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 461
- Date of Birth: September 9, 1997
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Father: Zhen Zhen (振振)
- Mother: Ya Ya (娅娅)
Experience Abroad
Yang Yang was born on September 9, 1997, at the Chengdu Base in Sichuan, China, and was initially given the nickname “Jiu Jiu” in reference to his birth date. Later, he was adopted by a Dutch environmental organization, which renamed him “Yang Yang,” meaning “vast ocean,” symbolizing the hope for expansive conservation efforts.
On November 5, 1999, Yang Yang, along with his female counterpart Lun Lun (伦伦), was transferred from Chengdu to Zoo Atlanta in the United States under an agreement between China and the U.S. on cooperative panda research. This move marked the beginning of their decade-long stay at the zoo. Yang Yang and Lun Lun quickly became a “celebrity couple” among zoo visitors. To ensure they had enough bamboo to eat, local Atlanta residents even volunteered to grow bamboo in their backyards, while zoo staff formed teams to select and collect the pandas’ favorite varieties.
In 2004, Zoo Atlanta began attempts to breed panda cubs from Yang Yang and Lun Lun using both natural and artificial breeding techniques, but these efforts were initially unsuccessful. It wasn’t until April 2006, with the help of experts from the Chengdu Base, that Lun Lun was successfully artificially inseminated.
The original agreement between China and the U.S. for Yang Yang’s stay in Atlanta was set to expire in December 2009. However, a new five-year agreement was signed, allowing him and Lun Lun to remain in the U.S. The agreement was renewed again in 2014 for another five years.
In October 2024, after more than two decades abroad, Yang Yang, Lun Lun, and their two offspring, Ya Lun (雅伦) and Xi Lun (喜伦), are set to return to China, bringing an end to their long stay in Atlanta and beginning a new chapter back in their homeland.
Health Status
During his time in the U.S., Yang Yang experienced health challenges, including chronic diarrhea, a common issue among pandas. However, with the combined efforts of Chinese and American experts and zoo staff, his condition was successfully managed, allowing him to recover.
As Yang Yang has aged, signs of physical decline have begun to show. Reports in recent years have noted his weight loss and a general decline in his health, which has caused concern among the public regarding his well-being. Despite these challenges, Yang Yang remains a beloved figure, and his journey home to China will surely be met with joy and anticipation from his many admirers.
