Among the most beloved protagonists of the giant panda panorama stands out the Qi Zai's second wife, Zheng Zheng. She's a female with a bright personality and iconic softness, so much so that she's earned the nickname "Steamed Bun." Behind that soft face lies an agile climber, famous for her treetop acrobatics and some terrifying—but always charming—captures among the branches. Whether munching on bamboo or browsing human snacks, her mix of vivacity and sweetness has become an irresistible magnet for fans and visitors.
Qi Zai's second wife, Zheng Zheng: personal details
- Full name: Zheng Zheng (正正)
- Alias: Steamed Bun (蒸包), Xi Da Mei (喜大妹)
- Sex: Female
- Genealogical line: n. 834
- Date of birth: July 11, 2012
- Place of birth: China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda – Bifengxia Base
- Parents: Lu Lu (father) and Xi Mei (mother)
- Twin sister: Hui Hui
- Brothers: Chun Chun, Hui Hui, Yin Ke, Ba Xi, Xi Yue, Xi Le, Hao Yue, Si Jia, Tao Tao
Curiosities about the panda
The athlete of the peaks
Ever since she was a puppy, Zheng Zheng has been known for her natural ability to climb. She loves reaching the highest branches to survey the surroundings, alternating moments of pure elegance with comical tumbles that see her land on her back, paws in the air, her dignity momentarily suspended. A true spectacle for the audience.
The curious explorer of taste
Her investigative nature led her one day straight to the staff cafeteria, where she encountered a mysterious object: bread. She sniffed it carefully, then tasted it, and her look of surprise and approval became one of her keepers' most beloved moments.
Key stages in Zheng Zheng's life
A record-breaking birth
Zheng Zheng and her twin sister Hui Hui kicked off 2012 with a record: they were the first pair of panda twins born that year. Their particularly soft fur prompted the online community to nickname them "Zheng Bao," the famous "steamed bun.".
Institutional adoption
On February 1, 2013, a partnership with Zhejiang Zhenghui Lighting Engineering Co., Ltd. formalized the adoption of the twins, enhancing the visibility of the conservation project.
Travel and new destinations
Zheng Zheng's career has taken her to several establishments:
- 2014: transfer to Shenshuping base (Wolong)
- 2015: Arrival at the Ningbo Youngor Zoo, together with the panda Jia Jia, for educational and outreach purposes
Contribution to conservation
Panda Zheng Zheng returned to Chengdu for breeding programs in 2018, and in 2020 she participated in a genetic exchange at the Shaanxi Research Center. In 2021, she gave birth to her first cub., Ba Zai. In 2023, she welcomed two male twins, further consolidating her role in species conservation initiatives.