Imagine the drama and charm of a panda with a bit of a temper, yet a heart full of surprises. Zhu Yun (竹韵/Zhuyun), known for her feisty ways in her youth, once terrorized her fellow cubs – except for Dai Li, a three-legged survivor with a resilient spirit. Their unlikely bond proves that even the fiercest pandas can have a soft spot, and Zhu Yun’s remarkable journey of motherhood only adds to her charm. Curious to know more?
Basic Information
- Name: Zhu Yun (竹韵)
- Meaning of the Name: Rhythm of the Bamboo Forest
- Gender: Female
- Lineage Number: 549
- Birthdate: July 17, 2002
- Birthplace: Hetaoping Wildlife Training Base, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda
- Mother: Lei Lei (雷雷)
- Father: Da Di (大地)
- Siblings: Long Xin (龙欣), Na Na (娜娜), Yuan Yuan (圆圆), You You (友友)
Intriguing Details of Panda Zhu Yun
The “Grudge” with Dai Li: When Zhu Yun was younger, she had a bad temper and would often get angry, even bullying the younger pandas in the base. No cub was safe from her. However, there was one exception—Dai Li. Dai Li is a wild giant panda, born around 1999. When she was young, she was attacked by a yellow-throated marten, leaving her severely injured. Her left hind leg had to be amputated, making her a three-legged panda. Despite losing a leg, Dai Li remained optimistic and continued to exercise every day.
Dai Li and Zhu Yun lived close to each other and saw each other every day. At first, Zhu Yun thought that Dai Li, with only three legs, would be easy to bully. However, to her surprise, Dai Li ended up defeating Zhu Yun in fights. In reality, Dai Li liked Zhu Yun very much, often gazing at her with affectionate looks and sending subtle flirtations. However, Zhu Yun didn’t reciprocate Dai Li’s “advances.”
Life Experience of Panda Zhu Yun
Early Life: Zhu Yun spent her childhood at the Hetaoping Wildlife Training Base, where she was nurtured and prepared for her life ahead.
Relocations:
- On March 3, 2004, Zhu Yun was relocated to the Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Ya’an.
- On September 7, 2011, she moved to Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park, where she began her new life at the park.
- On September 7, 2023, Zhu Yun and another panda, Xin Yue (新月), celebrated their 12th anniversary at Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park. The keepers prepared a special feast of fruits and bamboo for the two pandas to mark the occasion.
Breeding Achievements:
- At the age of six (2008), Zhu Yun gave birth to twin daughters, Min Min (闽闽) and Hu Bao (沪宝), with another panda, Yuan Yuan (园园).
- In 2010, Zhu Yun and a panda named Ling Ling welcomed the first panda cub of the year, Jin Hu (金虎), at the Wolong China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
