Panda Zhao Mei: Rescued as a Fragile Cub

Panda Zhao Mei

With her delicate, round face and sparkling eyes, Zhao Mei (昭美/Zhaomei) is the epitome of panda beauty. Often called “Princess Zhao” by her admirers, she stole hearts with her stunning appearance and gentle, loving nature. Whether nurturing her own cubs or caring for her adopted son, Zhao Mei is a true maternal figure. Her journey from a rescue in the rugged mountains to becoming a cherished mother at the Chengdu Panda Base is nothing short of inspiring!

Basic Information

  • Name: Zhao Mei (昭美)
  • Meaning of the Name: Beauty of the Zhaojue County
  • Gender: Female
  • Lineage Number: 990
  • Rescue Date: May 9, 2014 (Originally discovered on May 7)
  • Current Residence: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Intruiging Details of Panda Zhao Mei

Physical Features: Zhao Mei has a flat head, a round face, and fluffy fur, with eyes that are particularly lively, always spinning around in an adorable way. After a good cleaning, her beauty becomes striking, and she has become one of the most admired pandas at the base. She is affectionately referred to as “Zhao Guifei” (Princess Zhao), a nod to her stunning looks.

Many Admirers: Due to her beauty and unique personality, Zhao Mei has garnered many admirers in the panda world. For instance, the renowned panda Mei Lan (美兰) once attempted to court her, but was rejected. Even Su Xing (苏星), the leader of the “Iron Head Gang,” has developed a soft spot for Zhao Mei. He is often spotted sneaking up to a wooden platform to watch her lovingly care for her cubs.

Display of Maternal Love: Zhao Mei is known for her strong maternal instincts and gentle nature. While eating, she constantly keeps an eye on her cubs, ensuring they would not fall from trees. Not only does she care for her own cubs, Jin Bao (金宝) and Jin Xiao (金宵), but she also takes care of her adopted son, Xiao Ao Bai (小鳌拜). Her life is full of love and responsibility as she nurtures her little ones.

Rescue Experience of Panda Zhao Mei

Discovery Location: The mountainous areas of Zhaojue County and Meigu County in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Rescue Process: On May 7, 2014, a villager from Zhaojue County discovered an animal resembling a giant panda while returning from grazing. The villager immediately contacted local forest police. Upon confirmation, it was determined that the animal was far from suitable panda habitats and that there was insufficient bamboo nearby. On May 8, the animal was transferred to the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve Administration for diagnosis. On the evening of May 9, rescue experts from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding arrived, anesthetized the panda, and conducted a thorough physical examination. Due to Zhao Mei’s poor health, including inflammation and weakness, it was decided, with approval from the Liangshan Forestry Bureau and the provincial Forestry Department, to transfer her to the Chengdu Research Base for specialized treatment.

Name Origin: The name “Zhao Mei” is derived from her discovery location – Zhaojue County and Meigu County. Since she was rescued by the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve Administration, she was named “Zhao Mei.”

Post-Treatment Condition: After a period of medication and careful recovery, Zhao Mei’s health improved, and she adapted to the captive environment. Despite years of recovery, she remains cautious and alert, reacting to even the slightest sounds and sometimes retreating to corners.

Breeding and Offspring

After living at the panda base for several years, Zhao Mei successfully gave birth to a male giant panda cub named Jin Bao (金宝) on August 9, 2019, marking her first experience as a mother.

On July 23, 2021, Zhao Mei gave birth to a female giant panda cub named Jin Xiao (金宵).

In 2023, Zhao Mei welcomed her third cub, Jin Dou (金豆).

Gallery of Panda Zhao Mei