Zhang Meng (张梦/Zhangmeng), born on July 7, 2014, is a true symbol of resilience and wild spirit. From her early training under the guidance of her mother, Zhang Ka, she was prepared for the challenges of the wilderness. Released in 2016, she was part of a groundbreaking scientific experiment – the first attempt to release two pandas simultaneously. Over the years, Zhang Meng has proven her ability to thrive in the wild, leaving researchers in awe of her remarkable adaptability.
Basic Information
- Name: Zhang Meng (张梦)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: July 7, 2014
- Place of Birth: Ya’an Bifengxia Base, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Mother: Zhang Ka (张卡)
- Father: Bai Yang (白杨)
- Lineage Number: 916
- Siblings: Zhang Xiang (张想), Susan (苏珊), Bao Le (宝乐), Ao Ao (傲傲), An An (安安), Zhong Zhong (中中), etc.
Growth and Wild Training
First Phase of Wild Training: In November 2014, Zhang Meng began her wild training at the Walnut Flat Wild Training Base under the guidance of her mother, Zhang Ka. This initial phase focused on familiarizing her with the essentials of survival in the wild.
Second Phase of Wild Training: By June 2015, Zhang Meng successfully completed the first stage of her training and transitioned to the Tiantai Mountain area of Wolong for the second phase. During this period, she spent over 90% of her time living independently, gradually mastering essential skills for survival in the wild, such as foraging for food, escaping from predators, and building shelters.
Release into the Wild
Pre-Release Preparation: On October 18, 2016, Zhang Meng underwent her final health examination before release, weighing in at 73 kilograms and showing normal developmental indicators. After the check-up, she received a new ID implant under her skin and was fitted with a tracking collar.
Release Date: October 20, 2016
Release Location: Mami Region of Lizi Ping Nature Reserve
Significance of Release: On the same day, Zhang Meng was released alongside another panda named Hua Yan (华妍). This marked the first global attempt to release two giant pandas simultaneously. The release allowed researchers to monitor how both pandas adapted to their new environment and how they interacted in the wild, contributing to a new scientific exploration in panda conservation.
Wild Survival and Monitoring
Monitoring and Protection: The research team and management personnel intensified their monitoring and research efforts following Zhang Meng’s release. They utilized tracking collars and DNA sampling techniques to gather data on her survival status, implementing protective measures to ensure her safety in the wild.
Reappearances: In 2017 and 2019, researchers spotted Zhang Meng in different locations, confirming her health through fecal sampling analysis. These sightings affirmed that she had fully adapted to life in the wild, highlighting the success of her rehabilitation and the effectiveness of giant panda conservation efforts.
