To facilitate research and management, every giant panda in captivity around the world is given a name. Since pandas are considered a national treasure of China, naming them is a significant task, and certain principles are generally followed:
- Cultural Reflection: All giant pandas belong to China, so their names should reflect Chinese cultural characteristics.
- Euphony: The name should sound pleasant and be easy to pronounce, helping to increase the panda’s popularity and public attention.
- Uniqueness: To make it easier for caretakers to remember, no two pandas in the same research facility or zoo should have the same name.
- Meaningful Names: The name should have significance, especially for pandas sent abroad as representatives of China.
Despite these guidelines, the process of naming a panda can be quite flexible. In many cases, the panda cub’s name incorporates one character from its mother’s name. For instance, the famous panda “Fu Shun,” who gained recognition in 2016 for performing a perfect somersault, shares part of its name with its mother “Qi Fu” and sibling “Fu Lai.” Thus, most panda cubs are named after their mothers, in contrast to the human tradition of taking the father’s surname. This is partly to honor the mother, who raises the cub alone, and also to clarify family relationships among pandas.
For pandas sent to other countries or regions, their names often carry auspicious meanings. For example, in 2012, two pandas were sent to Singapore to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. After a public naming contest, the two pandas were named “Kai Kai” and “Jia Jia.” “Kai” symbolizes triumph and success, representing the achievements made by the two nations since establishing diplomatic ties. “Jia” is a homophone for “家,” meaning “home” in both Chinese and Singaporean Mandarin, reflecting the hope that the pandas would feel at home in Singapore and contribute to increasing the panda population.
Some panda names are inspired by significant dates or locations. For instance, on September 30, 2019, a panda was born at the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou. Since this was close to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the panda was named “Guoqing,” which means “National Day.” Similarly, the mascot of the 1990 Asian Games was based on a panda named “Panpan,” whose real name was “Basi.” This panda was rescued from a location called “Ba Si Gou,” which inspired its name.
However, not all panda names come without a mix-up or surprise. For example, “Mei Lan,” a panda born in the U.S. in 2006, became a star at the Atlanta Zoo. Mei Lan, the fifth panda born in the U.S., was initially thought to be female due to its delicate appearance. It was only later discovered that “Mei Lan” was actually male!
In summary, the process of naming giant pandas is a thoughtful endeavor that reflects cultural significance, honors the panda’s lineage, and sometimes incorporates meaningful dates or locations. Whether carrying a symbolic message for international relations or being associated with historical events, the names of these pandas are far more than just a label; they are a reflection of the bond between pandas, people, and culture.