Zhu Yu (茱萸), a charming female giant panda, was born in the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in October 2020. Known for her unique “pouting face,” she has become a fan favorite both online and in real life. Her expression, which often makes her look as if she’s eternally upset, has won her many admirers. Zhu Yu enjoys spending time high up in trees, and her playful antics, including one incident where a fire truck had to be called to help her return from her tree perch, have made her even more popular. Her journey has now taken her across the globe, as she embarks on a 10-year stay at the Madrid Zoo in Spain, where she continues to charm audiences abroad.
Basic Information
- Name: Zhu Yu (茱萸)
- Date of Birth: October 25, 2020
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Studbook Number: 1252
- Mother: Qing He (庆贺)
- Twin Brother: Chong Yang (重阳)
Personality and Appearance
Zhu Yu is most recognizable for her characteristic “pouting face,” a feature that makes her look perpetually as if she has been wronged. This endearing expression has earned her a considerable following on social media, where fans adore her unique look. Zhu Yu also has a particular fondness for climbing tall trees, a hobby that once led to an amusing incident in which she refused to come down. A fire truck had to be called in to assist in her safe return, a story that has become widely shared among her fans.
Growth and Development
Birth: On October 25, 2020, Zhu Yu and her twin brother were born to their mother, Qing He, at the Chengdu Research Base. The timing of their birth coincided with the traditional Chinese Double Ninth Festival, leading to their initial names, “Qing Chongyang (庆重阳)” and “Qing Zhuyu,” which referenced the festival and the medicinal plant zhu yu (dogwood). These names symbolized the celebration of the festival and the pair’s significance.
Cultural Ambassadorship: On February 4, 2021, to promote the cultural heritage of China’s giant pandas, the popular Chinese learning platform “Xuexi Qiangguo” (Study Strong Nation) partnered with the Chengdu panda base to launch a dedicated “Giant Panda” channel. In recognition of this collaboration, the platform officially adopted Zhu Yu and her brother, renaming them “Qiang Qiang” and “Guo Guo” respectively. They were also appointed as “Ambassadors of Study Strong Nation” to promote panda conservation and China’s rich cultural traditions throughout the country.
International Journey: On April 29, 2024, as part of China’s international panda conservation collaboration program, Zhu Yu and her brother, Jin Xi (金喜), set off on a 10-year journey to the Madrid Zoo in Spain. This marked the beginning of their role in fostering international awareness and cooperation in wildlife conservation, as well as introducing the beauty of China’s giant panda culture to a broader audience.
Debut in Spain: On May 30, 2024, Zhu Yu and Jin Xi made their official debut to the Spanish public at the Madrid Zoo. They were met with a warm reception, and their arrival generated great excitement among zoo visitors and the media alike. Zhu Yu, with her adorable “pouting face” and playful nature, quickly won the hearts of her new audience in Spain.
Technological Support: In October 2024, the Madrid Zoo took an innovative step by providing Zhu Yu with a unique assistant – an artificial intelligence (AI) caretaker named “Irenea.” This AI assistant was designed to help monitor and support Zhu Yu’s well-being during her stay in Spain. This cutting-edge technology reflects the growing integration of modern innovations into animal care and conservation efforts.
