Have you ever heard of Zhang Naicheng? The "Panda Dad" who revolutionized giant panda care in China, setting world records and training a new generation of keepers in Chongqing.
Zhang Naicheng, From Janitor to Director: The Extraordinary Story of Chongqing's "Panda Dad"
For 32 years, Zhang Naicheng has devoted every day of his life to giant pandas of the Chongqing Zoo, becoming a true legend in China. From a simple assistant to the custodians to director of the panda pavilion, his path is an example of unique dedication. Today he is known as the "“Panda Dad”, a title that contains a story of love, sacrifice and exceptional successes in the conservation of one of the rarest species in the world.
From humble origins to a dream come true
Born in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, Zhang Naicheng arrived in Chongqing in 1992, just eighteen years old. His first assignment at the zoo was anything but noble: carrying blocks of ice, cutting bamboo, and keeping the enclosures clean. Everything changed when he saw a real panda for the first time. "It was love at first sight," he said. From that moment, a dream was born: to care for these endearing animals, China's symbol. Thanks to his tireless dedication, after just one year, he received the trust of an experienced keeper, who allowed him to personally feed the panda Feifei. That moment, Zhang recalls, marked the beginning of a new life.
The Art of Caring for Giant Pandas
Determined to become a true expert, Zhang spent his days observing pandas and his nights studying their every detail. After a painful experience—the loss of twin cubs—he decided to specialize in panda breeding and care techniques, understanding that each individual requires different and personalized care. His fame grew when he became the keeper of the famous panda. Xinxing, born in nature.
During her first pregnancy, Zhang stayed by her side for seven days and nights without sleep. Under his guidance, Xinxing became a global icon: she gave birth six times, giving birth to ten cubs, seven of which survived. At 20, an exceptional age for a panda, she even managed to give birth to twins, an unprecedented feat. When Xinxing died on December 8, 2020, at 38 years and 4 months (the equivalent of about 120 human years), she entered the Guinness World Records as the longest-lived giant panda ever to live in captivity.
A lifetime for pandas
Despite his career as director, Zhang Naicheng has never abandoned his routine as a keeper. He still lives inside the zoo because—as he often repeats—"night is the most critical time for pandas." Every evening at 8:00 PM, he prepares food for his beloved animals, supervises feeding until 11:00 PM, and rises at dawn to begin a new day among bamboo and observation logs.
Over the course of 32 years, Zhang has written more than a million words about the daily lives of pandas, collecting valuable data and rare testimonies. Under his direction, the panda family at Chongqing Zoo It has grown from 4 to 23 individuals – the largest colony of giant pandas in an urban zoo in the world.
The legacy of the “Panda Dad”
As retirement approaches, Zhang continues to train the next generation of keepers, passing on the knowledge and passion that have made him China's "Panda Dad." "Being a panda father has been the greatest honor of my life," he says with a smile that reflects three decades of genuine dedication.