Meet Mei Lun: The Beloved Giant Panda and Her Remarkable Journey

Giant pandas are not just China’s national treasure but also global ambassadors of wildlife conservation. Among these charismatic bears, Mei Lun (美仑) stands out as a symbol of international collaboration and adorable charm. Here’s her story!

Early Life and Birth

Mei Lun, whose name means "beautiful and graceful," was born on July 15, 2013, at the Atlanta Zoo in the United States. She and her twin sister, Mei Huan (美奂), made history as the first surviving giant panda twins born in the U.S. since 1987. Their parents, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, were part of a long-term conservation partnership between China and the U.S., aimed at boosting the endangered panda population through breeding programs.

Initially, Mei Lun was mistakenly identified as male due to the challenges of determining panda cubs’ genders early in life. It wasn’t until DNA testing months later that her true sex was confirmed—a common hiccup in panda care.

Rising to Fame

From the moment they were born, Mei Lun and Mei Huan captured hearts worldwide. The Atlanta Zoo documented their growth in a viral YouTube series, "100 Days of Panda Cubs," showcasing their transformation from tiny pink newborns to fluffy black-and-white stars5. Their playful antics, like napping battles and sibling mischief, became internet sensations. One memorable video showed Mei Lun persistently poking her sleepy sister, earning laughs from millions.

In 2013, the zoo hosted a global naming campaign that drew over 51,000 suggestions. The names "Mei Lun" and "Mei Huan" were chosen to reflect their mother Lun Lun’s elegance and joy.

Life in the U.S. and Return to China

For three years, Mei Lun thrived in Atlanta, becoming a beloved local icon. However, under the Sino-U.S. Panda Cooperation Agreement, all U.S.-born pandas must return to China by age four to participate in breeding programs. In November 2016, Mei Lun and Mei Huan embarked on their journey home, greeted by emotional farewells from American fans. Social media overflowed with heartfelt messages, like one user’s post: “I watched her grow up; saying goodbye feels like losing a child”.

Their return wasn’t without quirks. Raised in the U.S., the sisters initially preferred American-style biscuits over Chinese bread and responded better to English commands like “Come here” than to Sichuan dialect!

Legacy and Current Life

Since returning to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Mei Lun has adapted well. She underwent a month-long quarantine and now enjoys bamboo feasts and climbing structures in her homeland. While she’s no longer in the international spotlight, her legacy lives on:

• Family Ties: Mei Lun’s mother, Lun Lun, is the grandmother of China’s viral sensation panda Hua Hua .

• Conservation Impact: Her birth highlighted successful cross-border efforts to protect giant pandas, a species once critically endangered but now classified as “vulnerable”.

In 2021, Mei Lun reportedly became a mother herself, welcoming a cub named Lun Hui. Though details are scarce, this new chapter adds to her role in sustaining the panda population.

Why We Love Mei Lun

Mei Lun’s story isn’t just about cuteness—it’s a testament to international friendship and conservation triumphs. From her historic birth in Atlanta to her life in China, she reminds us that protecting wildlife requires global teamwork.