Among the most beloved names in the world of giant pandas is Bo Si (博斯), a female giant panda who combines charisma, intelligence and a decisive contribution to conservation programs in China. Since birth at the base of Bifengxia (Sichuan), to the stage of the Guangzhou Asian Games, up to the role of mother and protagonist in the bases of Wolong and Shenshuping: hers is the story of a true living legend of the giant pandas.
The story of panda Bo Si: here's who he is
- Name: Bo Si (博斯)
- Sex: Female
- Date of birth: August 7, 2009
- Place: Bifengxia Base, Ya'an, Sichuan (China)
- Mother: Tian Tian (甜甜)
- Father: Xi Meng (希梦)
- Twin brother: Shen Wei (绅威)
- Genealogical number: 829
From the first days of life, Bo Si and his twin brother Shen Wei They attracted attention. Both were adopted by a men's clothing company, which gave them their official names. This partnership helped make Bo Si known to the general public, becoming a symbol of elegance and resilience.
The star of the Guangzhou Asian Games
In October 2010, Bo Si and Shen Wei were transferred to the Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park to participate in activities dedicated to Asian Games. Here Bo Si stood out for her high intelligence and for their agility in solving food games designed by the keepers.
The moment that made her famous came when, on the eve of her first gold medal, she “predicted” the winner between two symbolic options: the bamboo shoots for the Chinese team and the apples for foreign athletes. Bo Si chose bamboo without hesitation—and the next day Yuan Xiaochao won gold. Since then, the media have nicknamed her “The Panda Emperor”.
Back to the basics of conservation
On February 16, 2017, Bo Si returned to base Bifengxia, In the China Center for Giant Panda Conservation and Research, to continue its mission within the breeding programs. A month later it was transferred to the base of Wolong Shenshuping, one of the main hubs of the Giant Panda National Park, where he continued to make a valuable contribution to the survival of the species.
The reproductive success and history of panda Bo Si
Bo Si has also distinguished herself as an exemplary mother, giving birth to multiple litters that have enriched the panda population in captivity and in rewilding programs.
August 7, 2017 – Gemini Xing An and Ming Ming
In Shenshuping, Bo Si gave birth to twins. Unfortunately, Xing An did not survive beyond the first year. Ming Ming, however, grew up strong and lively: in 2023 he was transferred to Yueyang Panda Garden, where today he spends his days playing, climbing and socializing with other pandas.
August 13, 2018 – Xiang Ye and Tian Tian
Bo Si gave birth to a boy and a girl, symbols of hope for the programs of reintroduction into nature. Tian Tian was raised through the wild training program, while Xiang Ye He stood out for his energetic personality, earning the nickname “Little Warlord of the Class of 2018”.
June 21, 2022 – Rong Sheng and Qing Ci
At the Hetaoping base, Bo Si gave birth to twin girls. Rong Sheng was trained in the wild, while Qing Ci was adopted by the Xiamen Qingci Interactive Technology Co., Ltd., becoming an example of collaboration between conservation and the private sector. Sadly, Qing Ci passed away prematurely in March 2024 due to a rare intestinal complication.
Bo Si: between history, cultural icon and pillar of conservation
Bo Si is not just a giant panda: she is a symbol of the synergy between companies and environmental protection programs, a key mother for the future of the species and a beloved figure throughout China.
Its history perfectly reflects the evolution of the projects of giant panda conservation, where tradition, science, and public involvement intertwine to protect one of the world's most charismatic animals.