Panda Zhen Sheng: The Meditator

Panda Zhen Sheng

With her distinctive hexagonal face and fierce appetite, Zhen Sheng (震生/Zhensheng), affectionately known as Kuan Kuan, stands out in the panda world. Born in 2017 at the Wolong Shenshuping Base, this giant panda grew up asserting her dominance, often snatching bamboo shoots from her peers with lightning speed. But beneath her food-stealing antics lies a calm and serene nature, exemplified by her viral “meditation” pose on a tree. Whether she’s curled up in her beloved pink “turtle shell” or showing off her acrobatic tricks, Zhen Sheng captures the imagination of all who watch her, blending strength, playfulness, and tranquility in a truly unique panda package.

Basic Information

  • Name: Zhen Sheng (震生)
  • Nickname: Kuan Kuan (宽宽/Width)
  • Gender: Female
  • Birth Date: August 3, 2017
  • Birthplace: Wolong Shenshuping Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
  • Lineage Number: 1092 (Note: Some sources list it as 1058, but most information indicates it should be 1092)
  • Mother: Jin Xin (锦心)
  • Siblings: Jia He (家和), Jia Mei (家美), Qian Bao (倩宝), Nian Nian (念念), and Zhi Lu (知路)

Intriguing Details of Panda Zhen Sheng

Appearance: Zhen Sheng is known for her distinctive facial features, which give her a hexagonal appearance that is both rounded and angular. This unique look has earned her the nickname “Hexagon Warrior” among fans.

Food Snatcher: Zhen Sheng was a true “big sister” in the juvenile panda group, known for her powerful eating speed and dominance when it came to stealing food. She often snatched bamboo shoots from other pandas, while her “subordinates” like Qian Bao (倩宝) and Ling Yan (灵岩) could only watch helplessly as their bamboo shoots were taken away.

Meditation Sitting: In May 2023, a photo of Zhen Sheng “meditating” on a tree went viral on social media. In the picture, Zhen Sheng looks calm and at ease, with her head raised, eyes slightly closed, and her front limbs resting on her hind limbs, as if she were deep in meditation. In addition to this, she also enjoys other activities like raising her leg to the side, walking on her hind legs, and doing push-ups.

Favorite Toy: In the indoor activity area, the staff specially prepared a pink “turtle shell” for Zhen Sheng. She developed a strong affection for this toy, often curling up inside it to sleep and play. When nestled in this “bowl,” her body almost perfectly blends with it, making her look like a large, sesame-filled dumpling. Sometimes, she will sit in the “bowl” and rock back and forth, resembling a playful weeble wobble.

Life Experience of Panda Zhen Sheng

Early Life: Zhen Sheng spent her early years at the Wolong Shenshuping Base, where she grew up under the careful supervision of her mother and conservation staff.

Move to Yancheng: On August 5, 2020, Zhen Sheng was transferred to Yancheng Dafeng Port Wild Animal World along with giant panda Yun Er (云儿).

Visitor Feeding Incident: On April 29, 2023, a visitor at Yancheng Dafeng Port Wild Animal World fed Zhen Sheng Coca-Cola, which startled her when she bit into the bottle and caused the soda to spray. This incident drew considerable public attention, and the zoo emphasized that feeding animals is prohibited and dangerous.

Galley of Panda Zhen Sheng