The Fascinating Story of Qizai, the Unique Brown Panda

Pandas, those adorable, round-faced creatures, have always been a symbol of China's natural heritage. Among them, Qizai stands out as a one-of-a-kind individual. With his unique brown fur, Qizai has captured the hearts of people worldwide. Today, let's dive into the fascinating story of this remarkable panda.

Qizai, a male panda born in 2009, is currently the only known brown panda living in captivity. His story began in the depths of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province, China. On the evening of November 1, 2009, staff at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Research Center received a call from the Forestry Bureau of Foping County. They were informed that a local villager had found an abandoned, light-brown animal cub that needed immediate rescue.

The cub, estimated to be around two months old, was in a critical condition. It had not eaten for several hours and was severely dehydrated. The rescue team rushed to the scene and, after a brief encounter on the 108 National Highway, brought the cub back to the center. Upon arrival, a thorough examination revealed that the cub was infested with parasites, had a dry nose,凹陷的眼球, and a heart rate close to 120 beats per minute. The situation was dire.

The veterinary team immediately began treatment. They massaged the cub's abdomen to stimulate bowel movements, a crucial process for panda cubs who rely on their mothers' licking and massaging to defecate. Fortunately, the cub passed a long, hard stool, bringing a sigh of relief to everyone. To prevent further dehydration, the cub was fed milk, although it only consumed a quarter of the bottle before falling asleep.

Named "Qizai" due to his resemblance to the alien creature from the movie "CJ7," the cub quickly became a favorite among the center's staff. Despite his unusual appearance, Qizai's "slow and steady" personality endeared him to everyone. As he grew older, he formed strong bonds with his caregivers and fellow pandas.

One of the most significant milestones in Qizai's life was finding a surrogate mother. After ensuring that Qizai was healthy and free from infectious diseases and parasites, staff introduced him to Zhuzhu, a healthy panda with plenty of milk for her own cub and more to spare. By rubbing Zhuzhu's urine on Qizai and placing him in her arms, Zhuzhu accepted him as her own and nurtured him until he was half a year old.

Qizai's unique color didn't affect his social skills. He got along well with other pandas and was known for his calm demeanor. During playtime, he enjoyed wrestling, climbing trees, and rolling around with his friends. His favorite food was carrots, which he ate with great relish, often falling asleep while licking the carrot residue from his paws.

As Qizai matured, he became involved in the center's breeding program. Although he didn't sire any offspring in his first attempt, he remains an active participant and is expected to contribute to the panda population in the future.

Qizai's story is not just about his unique appearance; it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Research Center. Their efforts have ensured that this rare and precious creature has not only survived but also thrived.

Today, Qizai lives a happy life at Qinling Four Treasures Science Park, where visitors can catch a glimpse of this extraordinary panda. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving endangered species and the incredible work done by wildlife conservationists.

In conclusion, Qizai's journey from an abandoned cub in the Qinling Mountains to a beloved resident of Qinling Four Treasures Science Park is nothing short of miraculous. His unique appearance and gentle personality have made him a global sensation, inspiring people worldwide to learn more about pandas and the efforts to protect them.