Panda Zhu Zhu: The Foster Mother of Qi Zai

Panda Zhu Zhu

Zhu Zhu (珠珠), a remarkable female giant panda, has made significant contributions to panda conservation and breeding at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center. Born on August 6, 2000, to her mother, Bai Xue, Zhu Zhu has established herself as an exceptional mother and a symbol of nurturing within the panda community. Her legacy is marked not only by the number of cubs she has produced but also by the quality of care she provides to each one. With her intelligence, playful nature, and maternal instincts, Zhu Zhu continues to inspire those around her and plays a crucial role in the future of giant pandas.

Basic Information

  • Name: Zhu Zhu (珠珠)
  • Gender: Female
  • Lineage Number: 509
  • Date of Birth: August 6, 2000
  • Mother: Bai Xue (白雪)
  • Father: Xin Xing (新兴)
  • Primary Residence: Qinling Giant Panda Research Center
  • Siblings: Lin Lin (琳琳), Xiu Xiu (秀秀), Qing Qing (青青), Chuang Chuang (创创), Zhuang Mei (壮妹), Ning Ning (宁宁), Jin Ke (津柯), Si Xue (思雪)

Breeding Achievements of Panda Zhu Zhu

On March 15, 2008, Zhu Zhu was transferred to the Chengdu Base to pair with Ping Ping (屏屏). On July 27 of the same year, she gave birth to Qin Chuan (秦川). On September 27, 2010, Qin Chuan and his younger paternal brother, Ya Lele (娅乐乐), who was born two days after him, were sent on a “work trip” to Jinbao Amusement Park in Weifang, Shandong. Three years later, they returned to Shaanxi.

On September 4, 2009, Zhu Zhu gave birth to her daughter, Ya Ya (丫丫), who weighed 206 grams at birth, making her the heaviest cub ever born in the Qinling region at the time. Ya Ya is a panda who refuses to be wronged – if she gets her meal late, she bangs her food bowl like a drum, and if her keepers are late for feeding, she pounds on the door in protest. On July 31, 2021, at the age of 12, after experiencing three miscarriages, Ya Ya gave birth to twins, Qi Ji (奇迹) and Xi Qing (喜庆). On August 14, 2023, she gave birth to her son, Xiao Yuan Qi (小元气).

On September 27, 2013, Zhu Zhu gave birth to her daughter, An An (安安), fathered by Yong Yong (勇勇). That year, Yong Yong sired 13 cubs at the base. An An has mild eye mites and a gentle temperament. On March 17 and 18, 2020, she successfully mated with Er Lang (二郎) and Qi Zai (七仔), but she did not give birth that year.

In February 2017, Zhu Zhu showed signs of estrus, and researchers performed artificial insemination. In the early hours of August 21, she gave birth to her daughter, Meng Meng (梦梦). Meng Meng was the first cub of A Bao (阿宝) and grew up chubby and lively. She was known for her playful antics. As a cub, she was raised alongside Qiang Sheng (强生), who was a refined eater, while Meng Meng would wolf down her food.

On March 27, 2019, Zhu Zhu underwent artificial insemination again, and on July 10, she gave birth to twins, Jia Jia (佳佳) and Yuan Yuan (园园). On December 28, 2020, KFC adopted them for a year. Currently, Jia Jia lives at the Foping Base alongside Dang Sheng (党生), Qin Yun (秦韵), and Quan Yun (全运) – he is the only male among them. Yuan Yuan resides at the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park.

In May 2020, Zhu Zhu entered estrus again and successfully mated naturally with Qi Zai and Er Lang on May 30. On October 11, she gave birth to her son, Qin Hua (秦华), fathered by Qi Zai. Qin Hua is Qi Zai’s first cub and has distinct black spots on both sides of his mouth, resembling a tiny mask. Because of this, he is affectionately called “Little Mask” or “Sesame Paste.” Although his eyes carry the same charm as his father’s, he closely resembles his mother, Zhu Zhu. In May 2021, he was adopted for life by Panpan Foods and given the honorary name “Pan Pan.”

Foster Mother of Qi Zai

Zhu Zhu once cared for Qi Zai (七仔), the world’s only artificially captive brown giant panda. When Qi Zai was a cub, zookeepers devised a clever plan to help Zhu Zhu accept him. They applied Zhu Zhu’s urine to Qi Zai and placed him in her embrace. Though initially puzzled by the unusual fur color of this little one, Zhu Zhu soon treated Qi Zai as her own, nurturing and caring for him until he was over six months old.

Gallery of Panda Zhu Zhu