Yuan Zhou (圆舟/Yuanzhou)’s charm isn’t just in his round face and adorable yellowish fur; it’s his playful spirit that truly wins hearts. Whether he’s proudly sitting upright while munching on bamboo or soaking in a refreshing bath, this mischievous panda knows how to keep his fans entertained. His quirky antics, from playful pranks on his buddy Qiu Bang to his impressive standing skills, make Yuan Zhou a panda with personality you can’t help but love!
Basic Information
- Name: Yuan Zhou (圆舟)
- Meaning of the Name: The Boat Sailing Afar
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 15, 2010
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Lineage Number: 787
- Mother: Yuan Yuan (园园)
- Father: Lin Lin (琳琳)
- Siblings: Yuan Lin (园琳), Yuan Run (园润), Yuan Zi (园子), Yuan Yue (园月), Yuan Man (园满)
Intriguing Details of Panda Yuan Zhou
Appearance: With a sturdy build, a round face, and large, expressive ears, Yuan Zhou is a striking figure among giant pandas. His fur carries a unique yellowish hue, a rare trait inherited from his mother, making him easily recognizable. Despite being born missing one testicle, this has never hindered his life in any way – he remains as playful and energetic as ever.
Bath Lover: Yuan Zhou is a true water enthusiast, spending much of his free time lounging in the large pool in his enclosure. He enjoys soaking in the cool water and often uses his front paws to splash himself, as if giving himself a refreshing shower. His frequent dips have made him remarkably skilled at understanding water movement. Once, when an apple fell into the center of the pool, instead of wading in to fetch it, he stood at the edge and gently stirred the water with his paw, cleverly using the ripples to push the apple within reach.
A True Omnivore: While pandas are technically omnivores, Yuan Zhou takes his dining habits to another level. Unlike most of his kind, who stick to bamboo and a few select treats, he enjoys a surprisingly diverse menu. Apples, carrots, and corn are just the basics for him – he also relishes cauliflower, corn husks, and even green onions, a food most pandas find unappealing. His adventurous palate sets him apart, making mealtime a unique spectacle for his caretakers.
Relocation: Yuan Zhou spent his early years at the Chengdu Research Base. On February 6, 2013, he made a significant move from the Chengdu base to the Shenzhen Wild Animal Park, where he began a new chapter in his life. Each year on August 15, Yuan Zhou celebrates his birthday at the Shenzhen Wild Animal Park, where caretakers prepare special birthday cakes, and panda enthusiasts gather to join in the festivities.
Relationship with Qiu Bang: At the Shenzhen Wild Animal Park, Yuan Zhou and Qiu Bang (秋浜) share the same outdoor enclosure. Although both are male, they get along very harmoniously. However, Yuan Zhou’s mischievous side occasionally shines through – one of his signature antics is scattering a pile of feces in front of Qiu Bang’s door, a cheeky display of his territorial instincts.
