Yuan Da (缘大/Yuanda), also known as Le Shan, is a panda with a heart as big as his playful spirit. With a loving nature that sets him apart, he’s not only known for his gentle dominance but also for his selflessness, sharing food with his younger brother, Yuan Xiao. Born in Chengdu and later winning hearts in Wuxi, Yuan Da’s journey is a blend of charm, family bonds, and surprising moments of humor.
Basic Information
- Name: Yuan Da (缘大)
- Meaning of the Name: The Elder Cub of Yuan Family
- Also Known as: Le Shan (乐山)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 2006
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Mother: Qi Yuan (奇缘)
- Father: Lin Lin (琳琳)
- Twin Brother: Le Shui (乐水)
- Siblings: Qi Fu (奇福), Qi Miao (奇妙), Ming Ming (明明), Qi Yi (奇一), Qi Guo (奇果), Si Yuan (思缘)
Intriguing Details of Panda Yuan Da
Origin of the Name: In 2007, venture capitalist Xiong Xiaoge adopted Yuan Da and Yuan Xiao for life, and they were renamed Le Shan and Le Shui. These names are inspired by a passage from the classic Chinese text The Analects of Confucius: “The benevolent enjoy mountains, the wise enjoy water.”
Bond with His Brother: Yuan Da shares a deep bond with his younger brother, Yuan Xiao. Despite being larger and more dominant, Yuan Da is very caring toward his brother. For example, when keepers tried to feed Yuan Da more food, he was not greedy and willingly shared with Yuan Xiao – an uncommon trait among giant pandas.
An Unexpected Incident: One day in September 2008, Yuan Da was play-fighting with Wu Yi (五一) in the enclosure while Yuan Xiao stood nearby, watching the fun. Unfortunately, Yuan Xiao got caught up in the chaos, and his right hind leg became stuck in a wooden gap. Unaware of the situation, Wu Yi accidentally pulled on Yuan Xiao, resulting in a fractured leg. Before surgery, both of Yuan Xiao’s hind legs had to be shaved, which led to the now-famous “pantsless photo” that humorously earned him the nickname “famous for stripping.”
Life Experience of Panda Yuan Da
Birthplace and Growth: Yuan Da was born and raised at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which provided an excellent living environment and professional care.
Time in Wuxi: From 2010 to 2020, Yuan Da was loaned to Wuxi Zoo, where he became one of the zoo’s star attractions. Over his ten years in Wuxi, he won the affection of local citizens and tourists alike. In 2020, Yuan Da temporarily returned to the Chengdu Research Base due to facility upgrades at Wuxi Zoo, which has promised to bring him back once renovations are complete.
Return to Chengdu: After returning to Chengdu, Yuan Da resumed life at the research base, where he continues to receive expert care and attention.
