Panda Yuan Zai (圆仔), affectionately known as “Yuan Zai,” has become a beloved figure at Taipei Zoo since her birth on July 6, 2013. As the first cub of the giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted to Taiwan as a gesture of friendship from China, Yuan Zai has drawn attention and admiration from visitors and panda enthusiasts alike. Her early life was marked by unique challenges and memorable moments, which contributed to her charming personality and playful nature.
Basic Information
- Name: Yuan Zai (圆仔)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 6, 2013
- Place of Birth: Taipei Zoo
- Father: Tuan Tuan (团团)
- Mother: Yuan Yuan (圆圆)
- Lineage Number: 864
Growth Experience
Birth: Yuan Zai is the first cub of the giant panda pair Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted to Taiwan from mainland China. Upon her birth, she was found to have a small wound in her groin area, leading to temporary hand-rearing by zookeepers. To ensure that her mother, Yuan Yuan, remained in a nurturing state, the zoo created a lifelike plush toy resembling Yuan Zai and applied Yuan Zai’s scent to the toy using her feces. This innovative approach allowed Yuan Yuan to become familiar with her cub’s scent. After a month apart, the zoo arranged for a reunion, allowing Yuan Zai to see her mother for the first time when she opened her eyes.
Naming: Yuan Zai’s name was chosen through an online voting campaign, where the name “Yuan Zai” received the highest number of votes, officially cementing her identity.
Growing Up: During her formative years, Yuan Zai experienced many amusing and endearing moments. As a cub, she was characterized by her round face, short nose, and fluffy white fur, making her irresistibly adorable. Zookeepers implemented engaging activities to extend her feeding time and encourage exercise. Yuan Zai developed impressive skills, playfully batting food and climbing trees with ease. Her innate curiosity led her to explore and try new things, which made her a favorite among both staff and visitors.
Independent Living: As Yuan Zai matured, Taipei Zoo began her independent living training. Over time, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive, showcasing her survival skills as she learns to navigate her environment.
Personality Traits
Yuan Zai is an exceptionally curious panda who loves to explore her surroundings. When a hammock was introduced to her play area, she was the first to investigate, quickly discovering the pleasure of lounging in it. Her playful nature is also reflected in her eating habits; she enjoys her food, particularly devouring Wo Wo Tou (steamed buns made from various ingredients), apples, and carrots. However, she is not as fond of bamboo leaves. When outside, Yuan Zai enjoys chewing on branches, especially relishing the fruits from the jackfruit tree. Her spirited personality and playful demeanor continue to endear her to all who visit Taipei Zoo.
