Yang Yang (洋洋), nicknamed Jiu Jiu, is a giant panda whose life is marked by unique episodes and moments unique to the panda family. From his curious passion for peacock feathers stolen from a visitor to his enclosure, to his unique relationship with Lun Lun, his companion and mother to his cubs, his story is steeped in passion and adventure. Panda Yang Yang was born at the Chengdu base and has become a living symbol of environmental protection, winning the affection of people around the world. His journey from his home in China to the United States and his subsequent return is a tale of dedication and love for the species.
Panda Yang Yang (Jiu Jiu): registry
- Chinese name: Yang Yang (洋洋)
- Nickname: Jiu Jiu (九九)
- Gender: Male
- Genetic line number: 461
- Date of birth: September 9, 1997
- Place of birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas
- Parents: Zhen Zhen (振振) and Ya Ya (娅娅)
- Brothers: Ya Yun (娅韵), Jing Jing (晶晶), Er Shun (二顺), Hao Qi (好奇), Mang Zai (莽仔), Ya Xing (雅星), Ya Lao Da (娅老大)
Curiosity
In 2003, a male peacock surprisingly ventured into Yang Yang's (Jiu Jiu) compound. Attracted by its long feathers, the panda began plucking one, freeing the bird, but the story didn't end there. Yang Yang began chasing the peacock again, plucking almost all of its feathers, leaving only a few remaining.
The relationship between Yang Yang and Lun Lun is known for its playful and sometimes tense undertones. When Lun Lun showed no interest during breeding, she sometimes reacted with mild physical aggression toward Yang Yang. This situation was jokingly dubbed "domestic violence," even though it was more of a game than a serious conflict.
A symbolic name and a long journey
Initially named Jiu Jiu, in homage to her birth date, the panda was renamed Yang Yang by a Dutch conservation organization, whose name means “great ocean,” a symbol of hope for its conservation mission.
In November 1999, Yang Yang and Lun Lun were transferred to Zoo Atlanta, USA, under an agreement between China and the United States dedicated to the conservation and research of giant pandas. During their long stay, lasting more than twenty years, they became symbols of the zoo, beloved by visitors and supported by a local community committed to growing their favorite food, bamboo.
Long road to reproduction
After failed attempts at natural and artificial insemination beginning in 2004, it was not until 2006 that, with the support of Chinese specialists, Lun Lun was successfully inseminated, giving birth to seven new cubs that were raised at Zoo Atlanta.
Extensions and return home
Yang Yang's original contract for his stay in the United States, which expired in 2009, was renewed several times until 2014. In 2024, the panda, his partner and their two youngest children, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to China, closing an important chapter in their lives.
Health and constant attention
During his stay in the US, Yang Yang suffered from health problems typical of pandas, such as chronic diarrhea. Thanks to intensive collaboration between Chinese and American experts, his condition was carefully monitored and treated. In his later years, as he aged, signs of physical deterioration became apparent, raising concerns among his admirers.