Zhang Xiang (张想/Zhangxiang) is a true pioneer in the world of panda conservation, born on August 20, 2011, at the Wolong Nature Reserve. Trained in the wild under the watchful guidance of her mother, she was released into the wild in 2013 with an unshakable calm and confidence. Her journey didn’t stop there—Zhang Xiang went on to make history with her successful migration and incredible survival skills, proving that even a panda raised in captivity can thrive in the wild.
Basic Information
- Name: Zhang Xiang (张想)
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: August 20, 2011
- Place of Birth: Wolong Nature Reserve, China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center
- Lineage Number: 826
- Father: Bai Yang (白杨)
- Mother: Zhang Ka (张卡)
- Siblings: Zhang Meng (张梦), Susan (苏珊), Bao Le (宝乐), Ao Ao (傲傲), An An (安安), Zhong Zhong (中中), etc.
Growth and Wild Training
From the moment of her birth, Zhang Xiang has been under the guidance of her mother, Zhang Ka, who is a wild panda with survival experience. This maternal care provided Zhang Xiang with the essential skills for independent living. During her two-year wild training program, she underwent a systematic regimen of survival skill training, which included foraging for food, evading predators, and constructing shelters. Zhang Xiang excelled in her training, demonstrating high levels of alertness and self-protection instincts.
Release into the Wild
Release Date: November 6, 2013
Release Location: Liziping Nature Reserve, Shiming County, Sichuan Province
Release Process: On the day of her release, Zhang Xiang exhibited remarkable composure. Instead of rushing out of the enclosure, she took her time to observe the surroundings, ensuring no immediate danger was present before calmly stepping out. Zhang Xiang was the third captive-bred panda released by the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, following Xiang Xiang (祥祥) and Tao Tao (淘淘), and she was also the first female panda to be released into the wild.
Post-Release Monitoring
Monitoring: After her release, researchers continued to track Zhang Xiang’s movements through radio signals and collar data analysis. They conducted regular monitoring to assess her survival status and behavioral patterns in the wild. This ongoing observation is vital for understanding how captive-bred pandas adapt to their new environments and the challenges they may face.
Survival Status: Zhang Xiang has shown strong adaptability in her wild survival. She has effectively selected her environment and primarily forages on Sichuan Yushan bamboo and E’Re bamboo, exhibiting good foraging habits and remaining in healthy condition without any notable abnormalities.
Migration Behavior: Following her release, Zhang Xiang accomplished a significant migration from the original population area at Gongyi Sea to the Lime Kiln population region. This migration is a groundbreaking achievement for research on the wild reintroduction of giant pandas, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this endangered species.
