Yu Ai (渝爱/Yu’ai), born on July 22, 2022, at Chongqing Zoo, quickly captured hearts with her endearing wink and spirited personality. As the twin sister of Yu Ke, she’s a playful yet independent soul who loves teasing birds and displaying her fiery, “spicy” nature. Whether playing in her enclosure or trying to avoid bath time, Yu Ai’s boundless energy and mischievous charm continue to delight both visitors and caretakers alike.
Basic Information
- Name: Yu Ai (渝爱)
- Meaning of the Name: Cutie of Chongqing
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 22, 2022
- Place of Birth: Chongqing Zoo
- Birth Weight: 91 grams
- Mother: Er Shun (二顺)
- Father: Qing Qing (青青)
- Twin Sister: Yu Ke (渝可)
- Siblings: Jia Pan Pan (加盼盼), Jia Yue Yue (加悦悦)
Intriguing Details of Panda Yu Ai
Appearance: Yu Ai’s charm lies in her irresistibly cute face, accentuated by a short, rounded muzzle that gives her an endearing, baby-like appearance. Her most captivating feature, however, is her signature wink – a playful, heart-melting expression that has taken the internet by storm.
Head-Stuck Incident: On October 1, 2023, Yu Ai found herself in a hilariously sticky situation when she got her head stuck while playing with a toy. As she wiggled and called out for help, her anxious yet comical cries captured the hearts of both her caretakers and onlookers.
Eating Habits: Yu Ai approaches mealtime with unwavering enthusiasm, devouring her food with remarkable speed and determination. Unlike her brother, Yu Ke, who prefers to nibble and play, Yu Ai is all business when it comes to eating. Whether it’s crisp apples, tender bamboo leaves, or her beloved formula milk, she polishes off every bite in record time. And just when you think she’s done, she adorably nudges her nanny for more, her bright eyes filled with hopeful anticipation for another tasty treat.
Helpful Little Bear: Despite being the youngest, Yu Ai has a nurturing heart and an attentive nature, always looking out for her family. When her mother teeters on the edge of the suspension bridge, Yu Ai is the first to rush over, offering her tiny but determined support. She extends the same care to her brother, noticing even the smallest discomfort. When his feet bother him, she diligently gathers bamboo shoots and leaves, hoping to provide some relief. And even when he isn’t in the mood to eat, Yu Ai doesn’t push – she simply stays by his side, offering quiet companionship and unwavering affection.
Spicy Girl: Yu Ai is the definition of a true Chongqing “spicy girl” – bold, fearless, and a little mischievous. By the time she turned one, she had already racked up quite the reputation, having claimed two birds and even dismantled their nest, much to the distress of the bird mother, who seemed to “file a complaint.” Her playful antics don’t stop there. She’s notorious for teasing birds, prying open manhole covers, and, most hilariously, chasing after the zoo director post-bath as if demanding retribution. These wild and feisty escapades have earned her the legendary nickname “Gangster Boss Ai Jie (社会我爱姐),” a title that perfectly captures her spirited and unstoppable personality.
Second Director: During the “zhuazhou” ceremony celebrating her first birthday, Yu Ai proved she had bigger ambitions than mere toys or treats. While her brother, Yu Ke, engaged with the traditional items, Yu Ai bypassed everything and grabbed onto the panda exhibit director instead – an assertive move that earned her the affectionate nickname “Second Director.” It was as if she had already claimed a managerial role in the zoo.
Independent and Self-Sufficient: Yu Ai’s adventurous spirit was evident from an early age. By the time she was just over five months old, she had already scaled every tall tree in her living space. Falls were merely a minor inconvenience—she never cried, never gave up. Each tumble only fueled her determination to climb higher. However, her fiery personality sometimes got the best of her; when frustrated, she’d swat at anything nearby – her nanny, her mother, unsuspecting bamboo stalks, or even just the empty air – expressing her exasperation in the most dramatic fashion.
Dislikes Bathing: Unlike her brother, who enjoys a good soak, Yu Ai treats bath time as a battle to be won. It takes a team of three keepers to hold her in place under the water hose, yet she still twists and squirms, seizing every opportunity to break free. More often than not, it’s the keepers who end up drenched while Yu Ai emerges victorious – her fur barely damp, her defiant attitude intact.
Life Experiences of Panda Yu Ai
Naming Ceremony: Yu Ai’s name was chosen through a special naming event hosted by Chongqing Zoo in early 2023. The event, held to name the twin pandas born to Er Shun, attracted nearly a month of enthusiastic online voting. The selected names, “Yu Ai” for the female and “Yu Ke” for the male, pay tribute to their birthplace – Chongqing, often abbreviated as “Yu” – while also capturing their lovable and affectionate personalities.
Public Engagements: Beyond her playful and mischievous charm, Yu Ai has also taken on a surprising public role. On May 12, 2024, she and her brother Yu Ke became the official faces of Chongqing’s water conservation campaign. With her irresistible appeal and growing fanbase, Yu Ai helped bring attention to this important cause.
Ambassador of International Event: Yu Ai’s influence extended beyond Chongqing when she and Yu Ke were introduced as “ambassadors” for the second Belt and Road International Skills Competition on June 14, 2024. As part of the event’s welcoming activities, the twins became symbolic representatives of friendship and cooperation, delighting both national and international audiences with their adorable presence.
Health Issues of Panda Yu Ai
On the morning of August 6, 2024, zookeepers discovered that the skin on the lower eyelid of the giant panda “Yu Ai” had a “white” area that appeared to be bare, possibly due to hair loss. After a clinical examination by a veterinarian, it was found that the skin was relatively smooth and the hair had fallen off in a large patch. The initial diagnosis suggested that this might be a localized injury caused accidentally while playing in the enclosure, with hair loss occurring as the wound healed and scabbed over.
On the afternoon of August 8, 2024, the Chongqing Zoo invited a dermatologist from the Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital to review the injury around “Yu Ai’s” right eye. No symptoms of dermatitis or other issues were found. The zoo has now taken additional active treatment measures based on the expert’s advice, hoping for “Yu Ai’s” speedy recovery.
In December 2024, Yu Ai’s eye condition worsened, and the Chongqing Zoo decided to separate Yu Ke and Yu Ai for their care.
