Meng Meng (梦梦) was born on July 10, 2013, at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Center. The famous giant panda has become the ambassador par excellence of the so-called "Chinese dream" and of the Berlin Zoo, inspired by President Xi Jinping. Its name actually means "dream" and reflects the hope and ideal of progress that Meng Meng embodies.
- Name: Meng Meng (梦梦)
- Meaning of the name: Dream
- Type: Female
- Date of birth: July 10, 2013
- Place of birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Lineage Number: 868
- Birth weight: 105 grams
- Mother: Er Ya Tou (二丫头)
- Father: Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Brothers: Xiao Ya Tou (小丫头), Xing Rong (星蓉), Xing Ya (星雅), Er Xi (二喜), Er Qiao (二巧)
Meng Meng, the panda ambassador of the Berlin Zoo: the story
From her earliest days, Meng Meng demonstrated a great passion for food. So much so that she would even swallow unusual objects like the keeper's broom, making her appear rounder than her companion Xi Xi, with whom she shared the enclosure. Despite being larger, she often displayed a certain clumsiness that made her adorable and sometimes defeated in her games with Xi Xi. One of the most touching episodes involved her interaction with her keeper. In fact, during a moment of distress for the panda, the keeper gently stroked both of her paws and held her hand, melting the hearts of many observers and fans.
The transfer and curiosities
Meng Meng, an ambassador for Berlin Zoo, was initially transferred to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park in January 2016, along with her sisters Xi Xi and Sa'er, proving to be the most adaptable in adapting to her new environment. The following year, she was returned to the Chengdu base, and then sent to Berlin Zoo in June 2017, alongside the male Jiao Qing. This move marked an important step in the conservation collaboration between China and Germany, strengthening the cultural and scientific ties between the two countries. In 2019, Meng Meng experienced her first period of estrus, showing great vivacity towards Jiao Qing, even a bit impetuous. Natural mating was supplemented with the use of artificial insemination techniques to ensure successful reproduction.
On August 31 of the same year, Meng Meng gave birth to twin boys: Meng Xiang ("Dream") and Meng Yuan ("Dream Fulfillment"). That event marked a historic moment as the first giant panda birth in Germany. In 2024, the birth of a second set of twins was celebrated. This time, females, named Meng Hao ("Good Dream") and Meng Tian ("Sweet Dream"), were all born healthy and alert. Meng Meng thus confirms herself as an extraordinary mother and an important ambassador for giant panda conservation. Admired for her gentle nature and strong bond with her keepers, she is a symbol of international cooperation and environmental protection.
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Last curiosity about Meng Meng
During my stay in Berlin in August 2025, my first stop was the zoo, with the intention of seeing the cubs Meng Tian and Meng Hao and their parents, Meng Meng and Jiao Qing. However, once I arrived and was filled with excitement, I immediately noticed that Meng Meng wasn't there. Perplexed and with many questions, I decided to turn to the zoo staff, who kindly explained the reason for her absence. Meng Meng is a particularly anxious panda, and after giving birth to Meng Tian and Meng Hao the previous year, they preferred not to exhibit her to the public to avoid further stress, as per protocol.