Ying Ying (盈盈), a beloved female giant panda, was born on August 16, 2005, at the Wolong Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. Known for her gentle nature and her significant role in panda conservation efforts, Ying Ying has captivated the hearts of both local and international audiences. Her life has been marked by her successful move to Hong Kong, her contributions to breeding programs, and her place as an ambassador for panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: Ying Ying (盈盈)
- Gender: Female
- Birth Date: August 16, 2005
- Place of Birth: Wolong Base, China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center
- Mother: Xi Xi (茜茜)
- Father: Lu Lu (芦芦)
- Genealogy Number: 610
- Siblings: Rong Rong (融融), Mei Xi (美茜), Mei Xin (美欣), Yun Duo (云朵), Hua Bao (华豹), Ya Mei (雅美), Yun Er (云儿), Zhuang Zhuang (壮壮)
Life Exprience of Panda Ying Ying
Early Life and Naming: Ying Ying spent her early years under the dedicated care of professionals at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. Her name, “Ying Ying,” was inspired by the famous Chinese author Jin Yong’s philosophy that “Hong Kong people value wealth and prosperity,” and thus the name was intended to symbolize good fortune and a prosperous future for the panda.
Relocation to Hong Kong: In April 2007, Ying Ying, along with male giant panda Le Le (乐乐), was sent as a gift from the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. The two pandas were housed at the Ocean Park Hong Kong, where they quickly became the park’s star attractions. Ying Ying officially greeted the public at the Panda House on July 1, 2007, and since then, she has been an iconic figure in Hong Kong.
Breeding and Reproductive Efforts: Ying Ying has been an active participant in the giant panda breeding program. In October 2015, ultrasound scans at Ocean Park confirmed that Ying Ying was pregnant. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended with the absorption of the fetus. However, in April 2020, Ying Ying and Le Le successfully mated naturally for the first time in nine years. Their successful pairing marked a new chapter in their breeding history.
Twin Cubs: In March 2024, Ying Ying and Le Le again successfully mated, and after nearly five months of gestation, Ying Ying gave birth to a pair of twins — a rare “dragon and phoenix” pair — on the morning of August 15, 2024.
Debut of the Twins: The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee Ka-chiu, announced on January 14, 2025 that a pair of giant panda twins born in Hong Kong will meet the public on 16th February.
News about Panda Ying Ying
- Hong Kong-Born Giant Panda Twins Make Their Media Debut with Adorable Charm (07-02-2025)
- Hong Kong’s First Panda Twins to Meet the Public Next Month (22-01-2025)
- High-Speed Train “Hong Kong Panda Special” Departs (10-01-2025)
- Hong Kong Hosts Fireworks Drone Show with Giant Panda Appearing in the Night Sky (30-12-2024)
- Over 1,000 Giant Panda Sculptures Receive Christmas Makeovers at Exhibition in Hong Kong (25-12-2024)
- Giant Pandas “Panda” Hong Kong (23-12-2024)