Panda Yuan Bao (圆宝) is a delightful giant panda who has captured the hearts of many since her birth. Born on June 28, 2020, at Taipei Zoo, Yuan Bao is the second daughter of the beloved giant panda pair, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted to Taiwan as a symbol of friendship between China and Taiwan. From her early days, Yuan Bao has been the center of attention, and her charming personality has only increased her popularity among visitors and panda enthusiasts alike.
Basic Information
- Name: Yuan Bao (圆宝)
- Date of Birth: June 28, 2020
- Gender: Female
- Place of Birth: Taipei Zoo
- Father: Tuan Tuan (团团)
- Mother: Yuan Yuan (圆圆)
Growth Experience
Infancy: Upon her birth, Yuan Bao received exceptional care from the staff at Taipei Zoo. As the “second daughter” of the giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, she garnered significant attention right from the start.
Naming: On August 30, 2020, after an internet voting campaign, the second cub of Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan was officially named “Yuan Bao.” Out of six candidate names, “Yuan Bao” won with an impressive 8,712 votes, a testament to her popularity among fans.
First Birthday: On June 28, 2021, Taipei Zoo held a fun “Zhua Zhou” birthday event for Yuan Bao to celebrate her first birthday. This traditional Chinese custom allows babies to choose items representing their future interests and careers, making the event special for the young panda.
Independent Living Training: As Yuan Bao grew, Taipei Zoo began training her for independent living. In December 2022, she started progressive independence training to learn how to live separately from her mother, Yuan Yuan. This important step helps prepare her for a more autonomous life as she matures.
Birthday Celebration: In June 2022, reports indicated that while Taipei Zoo’s beloved giant panda Yuan Zai (圆仔) was nearing her ninth birthday, her younger sister Yuan Bao was preparing to celebrate her second birthday. The zoo announced that on the morning of the 28th, they would host a live-streamed celebration for Yuan Bao. The physical event for both Yuan Zai and other animal birthday celebrants was scheduled for July 2, ensuring a festive atmosphere for all.
Personality Traits and Daily Activities
Yuan Bao is known for her lively and charming personality, enjoying play and exploration. Within the panda exhibit at Taipei Zoo, she frequently displays her curiosity and energetic nature, attracting numerous visitors eager to watch her antics.
One of Yuan Bao’s endearing habits is her penchant for “digging for coal,” which actually involves getting herself dirty while playing. This playful behavior has made her a viral sensation online, endearing her to fans worldwide and solidifying her status as a beloved giant panda.