In the misty mountains of Southwest China, where bamboo forests stretch endlessly, a remarkable giant panda named Lanxiang has captured hearts worldwide. Born on July 12, 2002, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Lanxiang (meaning "Orchid Fragrance") isn't just any panda—she's a testament to resilience, late-life motherhood, and unexpected fame.
A Royal Panda Lineage
Lanxiang boasts an impressive family tree:
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Mother: Yingying (celebrated matriarch at Qingcheng Mountain)
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Father: Dadi
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Grandparents: The legendary Panpan and Dongdong
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Twin sister: Meiqing (currently at Guangzhou Chimelong)
Weighing a mere 162 grams at birth—about the size of a smartphone—she was part of China's first panda twins born that year. Her mother Yingying, then an 11-year-old veteran, effortlessly nurtured the duo, hinting at Lanxiang’s future maternal instincts.
Defying Age: The "High-Aged" Mom
Pandas typically become first-time mothers around age 8. Lanxiang? She rewrote the rules.
In 2016, at 14 years old, she traveled to Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base to meet her mate Wuyang. Months later, she gave birth to twins—Yubao (male) and Yubei (female). Keepers held their breath: in the wild, pandas often abandon the weaker twin. True to instinct, Lanxiang glanced at the smaller cub but carried the stronger one away. Yet thanks to human intervention, both survived—a first for Chongqing Zoo.
Then, at 17, she stunned again: on June 23, 2019, she delivered another set of twins—Shuangshuang and Chongchong. Miraculously, another panda, Mangzai, gave birth to twins the same day. Dubbed the "Four Happiness Dumplings" (四喜丸子), the quartet became internet sensations, often seen "playing mahjong" together.
Queenly Habits & Fan Love
Lanxiang earned the nickname "Princess Lan" (兰贵妃) for her regal demeanor. After giving birth, she mastered "eating without lifting a paw": keepers peeled bamboo shoots and fed her directly while she cradled her cubs. If nursing both twins? She’d lie back leisurely as keepers supported the babies—true royal treatment!
A Disturbing Incident & Resilience
Tragedy struck in January 2025 when a visitor threw a cola bottle at her during mealtime. Lanxiang jolted upright, covering her head in fear. The culprit was fined for disrupting public order, and caretakers monitored her 24/7. Thankfully, she recovered physically—but the event highlighted ongoing challenges in protecting these treasures.
Why Pandas Need Our Protection
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Survival Secrets: Their black-and-white fur isn’t just cute—white bellies camouflage them in snow, while dark limbs blend into shadows.
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Dietary Demands: They eat constantly because bamboo offers minimal calories. Resting? That’s energy conservation!
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Fragile Existence: With only ~1,600 wild pandas left, every individual counts.
Now 23, Lanxiang enjoys retirement at Chongqing Zoo—home to 21 pandas, China’s largest zoo population. Visit her, and you might glimpse the gentle "orchid" who defied time, raised four healthy cubs, and reminds us why protecting her species matters. 🌿🐾
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