The Story About Panda Xiangxiang

Pandas are undoubtedly one of the most beloved creatures on Earth, and Xiang Xiang, a female giant panda, has captured the hearts of many across the globe. Born on June 12, 2017, at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Xiang Xiang is the daughter of the traveling giant pandas Bi Li (known as "Lili" in Japan) and Xian Nu (known as "Zhenzhen"). This blog will delve into the fascinating life of Xiang Xiang, from her birth and early years in Japan to her return to China and her current life.

Birth and Early Years in Japan

Xiang Xiang's birth was a significant event, marking the first panda cub born at Ueno Zoo in 29 years. The zoo celebrated her arrival with much excitement, and a naming contest was held nationwide to find the perfect name for the little cub. Over 320,000 names were submitted, and a panel, led by the honorary chairman of the Japan Panda Protection Association, Blackie Toru, narrowed it down to eight finalists. After consultation with China, which owns the pandas, the name "Xiang Xiang" was chosen, representing fragrance in both Japanese katakana and Chinese characters.

Xiang Xiang's growth was carefully monitored, and she quickly became a favorite among zoo visitors. By her first birthday, she had grown into a healthy and playful cub, weighing 40.3 kilograms and eating bamboo along with specialized milk. Her second birthday was marked with a special event at the zoo, where visitors could learn about her growth through her feces, showcasing her development in a unique and educational way.

Delayed Return to China

Initially, Xiang Xiang was scheduled to return to China in June 2019, when she turned two. However, due to various factors, including preparations for her independence and the desire to keep her in Japan for a little longer, her return was delayed. This was followed by several more extensions, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel. The final agreement was reached in December 2022, setting her return date for February 21, 2023.

Farewell in Japan and Arrival in China

As her return date approached, there was a sense of sadness among the Japanese public who had grown to love Xiang Xiang. On February 19, 2023, her last day at Ueno Zoo, thousands of visitors lined up to bid her farewell, with many bringing gifts and messages of good luck. Xiang Xiang was then transported to Narita International Airport, where she boarded a special charter flight to Chengdu, China.

Upon her arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Xiang Xiang was greeted with much enthusiasm and was taken to the Ya'an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. She underwent a month-long quarantine period before being introduced to the public, ensuring her health and well-being.

Current Life in China

Now living at the Ya'an Bifengxia Base, Xiang Xiang has settled into her new home and continues to grow and thrive. Her fans in China, including those who traveled from Japan, eagerly lined up to catch a glimpse of her on her seventh birthday in 2024. Xiang Xiang's appetite remains hearty, as evidenced by her enjoyment of a meal of bamboo, apples, and specially made steamed buns.

Social and Economic Impact

Xiang Xiang's presence has had a significant impact both in Japan and China. In Japan, she became a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange, drawing millions of visitors to Ueno Zoo and generating substantial economic benefits. Estimates suggest that she contributed over 60 billion yen (approximately 2.8 billion yuan) to the Japanese economy during her time there.

In China, Xiang Xiang's return marked a celebration of conservation efforts and the ongoing relationship between China and Japan through the shared love of pandas. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species and the joy they bring to people around the world.

Conclusion

Xiang Xiang's journey from birth in Japan to her current life in China is a testament to the power of conservation and the ability of these majestic creatures to bring people together. Her story is one of love, friendship, and the enduring charm of the giant panda. As she continues to grow and thrive in China, Xiang Xiang will undoubtedly remain a beloved figure, inspiring awe and admiration in all who meet her.