If you ever doubted the charm of a panda, just wait until you hear about Yuan Bao (圆宝/Yuanbao). With a signature L-shaped mark on her back, an endearing waddle as she learns to walk, and a mischievous love for mud, Yuan Bao is the epitome of panda cuteness and curiosity. From her first birthday bash to her adorable outdoor adventures, she’s captured the hearts of all who meet her, proving every day just how magical these little creatures are.
Basic Information
- Name: Yuan Bao (圆宝)
- Meaning of the Name: Treasure of Yuan Family
- Date of Birth: June 28, 2020
- Gender: Female
- Place of Birth: Taipei Zoo
- Father: Tuan Tuan (团团)
- Mother: Yuan Yuan (圆圆)
- Sibling: Yuan Zai (圆仔)
Intriguing Details of Panda Yuan Bao
Appearance: When Yuan Bao was born, her mother, Yuan Yuan, tried to adjust her position in her arms, but accidentally scratched her back with her sharp teeth, leaving an L-shaped wound about 1 to 2 centimeters long. After the wound healed, it left a unique L-shaped mark in the center of Yuan Bao’s black “vest,” which became her distinct feature.
Unique Walking Posture: When Yuan Bao was learning to walk, her hind legs weren’t very strong, and she often struggled to move forward. As a result, she would use her head as a balance point and slide forward. Her pure white fur would turn gray from dragging on the floor. She was particularly curious about the water basin in her enclosure, often sticking her head into it, and sometimes even putting her whole body in to explore.
Little Muddy Bundle: Yuan Bao loved her outdoor secret base – the Guanyin Bamboo area in the activity zone. She often rolled around in it, covering herself with mud. The keepers had to use a pink towel to clean her up, but as soon as they turned their backs, she got herself dirty again.
Life Experience of Panda Yuan Bao
Infancy: Due to being unable to suckle colostrum at birth and an accidental injury on her back, Yuan Bao was temporarily raised by the staff. As a baby, she was quiet and well-behaved, often lying in the corner, looking adorably clumsy.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.
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.
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.
