From a difficult birth to fame as the "Pumpkin Princess," the story of panda RouRou has captivated Dujiangyan. Her story of a giant panda who became famous for her tenderness, cunning, and viral moments.
Information about the panda Meilan, RouRou
- Name : Meilan (梅兰)
- Nickname: Rou Rou (肉肉/Fatie and Plumpness)
- Lineage number : 991
- Date of birth May 29, 2016
- Place of birth Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Center
- Current residence : Dujiangyan Panda Valley
- Father : Yong Yong (勇勇)
- Mother : Mei Bang (梅浜)
Meilan, the RouRou panda who conquered Dujiangyan: her story and difficult birth
Meilan, known to the public as RouRou, is much more than a giant panda. Her story is one of strength, growth, and a growing popularity. RouRou was born on May 29, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The cub arrived in a delicate situation that required immediate intervention from her keepers to save and stabilize her. From that moment, her story became a symbolic one for all panda enthusiasts. Her first days were complex. Her mother, Mei Bang, was unable to care for the newborn immediately, leaving it to the keepers to intervene quickly, transferring her to an incubator and monitoring her recovery with constant attention. After her recovery, the attempt to reunite with her mother was successful, paving the way for a more serene and protected growth. In the following years, Meilan was also cared for by foster mothers, who accompanied her through the most important stages of her development. This journey has given her a sweet temperament and a manner that audiences perceive as extremely reassuring. Even when disturbed during her rest, RouRou tends to remain impassive, as if nothing could shatter her calm.
Why do you like the panda so much, RouRou?
The reason for the popularity of the panda RouRou is simple. Meilan exudes tenderness, but without losing her personality. Her connection to food, especially pumpkins, has made her incredibly famous and earned her the nickname "Pumpkin Princess." Images of her munching with obvious enthusiasm are among the most shared by panda lovers. At the same time, RouRou also knows how to defend what she considers hers. She's a vigilant panda, attentive to her environment, and quick to react when anyone tries to distract her while she's eating. This combination of sweetness and determination has helped build her public profile, making her easily recognizable and much loved even outside of China.
The episode went viral on social media
Meilan's international fame received a further boost in September 2023, when a visitor accidentally dropped a phone in the enclosure, and the panda curiously approached and tried it as if it were an object to explore, or perhaps an unusual snack. The scene quickly went viral, turning RouRou into a minor internet celebrity, reinforcing her image as a curious and unpredictable panda. That moment remains etched in my memory precisely because it perfectly captures her character. Meilan is docile, but not distracted; affectionate, yet extremely interested in her surroundings. And that's also why her name continues to circulate in content, videos, and articles dedicated to China's most famous pandas.
Growth and transfers
After birth, Meilan followed a gradual development path that took her first to cub areas and then to increasingly age-appropriate environments. Over time, she learned to move better, reached the expected growth milestones, and finally arrived at Dujiangyan Panda Valley, where she is now one of the most well-known and photographed animals. This transition marked her entry into adulthood and full public visibility.