Ai Jiu

Basic Profile

Ai Jiu (艾玖), also affectionately nicknamed “Jiu Jiu” (玖玖), is a female giant panda born on June 5, 2020, at 1:06 PM at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. She made history as the heaviest newborn cub ever recorded at the Chengdu Base, weighing an impressive 219 grams at birth — earning her the description of a “little chubby” (小胖子).

Family

Ai Jiu is the daughter of Ai Li (艾莉, studbook 811). Her mother Ai Li is the daughter of Li Li (莉莉) and Qiu Bang (秋浜), and belongs to the large “Li family” of pandas. Ai Li is known for her “cool older sister” personality, earning the nickname “Master Ai” (艾大爷).

Ai Jiu has several siblings: older brothers Ai Mi (艾米) and Ai Lun (艾伦) from the 2018 twin litter, and younger twin siblings Ai Lin (艾琳) and Ai Si (艾斯) from 2022.

”Jiu Cai Hua Ye” — The Famous Quartet

Ai Jiu gained widespread popularity as the “Jiu” (玖) in the famous “Jiu Cai Hua Ye” (玖菜花叶) quartet — Ai Jiu (艾玖), Run Yue/Cai Cai (菜菜/润玥), He Hua (和花), and He Ye (和叶). This group of four female pandas, born in 2020 at the Chengdu Base, grew up together in the幼年园 (nursery) and became one of the most beloved panda groups across Chinese social media.

Their daily antics — eating, playing, climbing, and napping together — captivated millions of fans. Ai Jiu was often the most food-motivated of the group, always eager for bamboo shoots and apples, and was known to be the heaviest and most robust eater among her peers.

Life Journey

Nursery Days (2020–2022)

After her birth in June 2020, Ai Jiu spent her early months with her mother Ai Li before joining the nursery group. Alongside Run Yue, He Hua, and He Ye, she became a regular star of live-streamed feeding sessions at the Chengdu Base. Her large size and enthusiastic eating habits made her stand out among the four.

Move to Sub-Adult Enclosure (2022)

On October 27, 2022, Ai Jiu and Run Yue were moved from the 幼年园 (nursery) to the 亚成年园 (sub-adult enclosure), marking their transition to the next stage of life. He Hua and He Ye remained in the nursery as they had not yet reached the required weight threshold.

Current Life

Ai Jiu currently resides at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where she continues to be a favorite among visitors. She is known for her calm demeanor, steady appetite, and occasional competitive side when it comes to food. Her distinctive round face and sturdy build make her easily recognizable among the 2020 cohort.