Ba Zai

Basic Profile

Ba Zai (八仔), whose nickname is “Cai Bao Zi” (菜包子, literally “Vegetable Buns”), is a male giant panda born on July 16, 2021, at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Registered under studbook number 1260, he is the second offspring of the world’s only captive brown-and-white giant panda, Qi Zai (七仔), and his mate Zheng Zheng (正正).

Despite inheriting his father’s unique genetic makeup, Ba Zai displays the classic black-and-white coloring typical of most giant pandas. He has become a beloved figure among panda enthusiasts, earning the affectionate title “Face King of Qinling” (秦岭颜王) for his handsome features and expressive eyes.

Family & Lineage

Parentage

Ba Zai comes from a remarkable genetic lineage:

• Father: Qi Zai (七仔, #802) — The world’s only captive brown-and-white giant panda
• Mother: Zheng Zheng (正正, #766) — A female giant panda from the Qinling subspecies breeding program

Siblings

Ba Zai shares the same mother, Zheng Zheng, with:

• Zheng Zheng 2023 Large Cub (正正2023大仔) — Younger brother
• Zheng Zheng 2023 Small Cub (正正2023小仔) — Younger brother
• Zheng Zheng 2023 First Born (正仔) — Older sister

Half-Siblings

Ba Zai shares the same father, Qi Zai, with:

• Qin Hua (秦华) — Older half-brother, also did not inherit brown coloring

Genetic Carrier Status

According to the groundbreaking 2024 research published in PNAS by Academician Wei Fuwen’s team, Ba Zai carries the recessive Bace2 gene mutation that causes brown-and-white coloring in giant pandas. As an autosomal recessive trait, this gene can be passed to future generations even though Ba Zai himself does not display the brown phenotype. This makes Ba Zai genetically significant for understanding coat color inheritance in giant pandas.

Birth and Early Life

Ba Zai was born on July 16, 2021, at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in Xi’an, Shaanxi. From birth, he attracted attention due to his prestigious family background — being the son of the famous brown panda Qi Zai generated significant public interest.

From an early age, Ba Zai developed a distinctive appearance characterized by:

• Deep, expressive eyes
• A well-proportioned, round body
• The classic black-and-white coloring contrasting with his father’s brown coat

His growth was monitored closely by the breeding team, and he demonstrated healthy development typical of giant panda cubs.

Relocation and Current Residence

In 2022, Ba Zai was relocated to the Qinling Sibao Park (秦岭四宝园) located in Yangxian County, Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province. This facility is dedicated to the conservation, breeding, research, and public education regarding the Qinling subspecies of giant pandas.

The Qinling Sibao Park provides:

• Specialized enclosures suited to giant panda needs
• Access to fresh bamboo from local sources
• Veterinary care and monitoring
• Educational facilities for visitors

Ba Zai has adapted well to his new home, where he shares his habitat with other pandas from the Qinling subspecies conservation program.

Celebrity Status and Public Recognition

Ba Zai has gained considerable popularity both domestically and internationally:

“Face King of Qinling” (秦岭颜王)

Panda fans and media have dubbed Ba Zai the “Face King of Qinling” for his striking appearance. His distinctive features include:

• Deep, soulful eyes
• Symmetrical facial markings
• A robust, well-fed appearance
• Expressive behavior patterns

Social Media Presence

Ba Zai’s growth and daily activities are frequently documented on Chinese social media platforms. His videos regularly receive thousands of views, with fans closely following his development and interactions.

DiDi Lifetime Adoption

The Partnership

On April 22, 2024 — Earth Day — DiDi (滴滴出行), China’s leading ride-hailing company, announced a lifetime adoption of Ba Zai through the DiDi Public Welfare Foundation (滴滴公益). This adoption was conducted in partnership with:

• DiDi Public Welfare Foundation
• China Environmental Protection Foundation (中华环境保护基金会)
• Qinling Giant Panda Research Center

Commitment Details

The adoption program includes:

• Daily care support: Funding for bamboo, specialized nutrition, and habitat maintenance
• Health monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups and medical care
• Environmental enrichment: Toys, structures, and activities to keep Ba Zai mentally stimulated
• Public engagement: Educational content about giant panda conservation

”Cloud Guardianship” Initiative

As part of the adoption program, DiDi launched a “Cloud Guardianship” (云守护) initiative that allows the public to participate in Ba Zai’s protection. Users can contribute to conservation efforts through carbon credit donations, linking daily transportation choices to wildlife protection.

Third Birthday Celebration

July 16, 2024

Ba Zai celebrated his 3rd birthday at the Qinling Sibao Park in Yangxian. The celebration featured:

Birthday “Cake” The conservation team prepared a special birthday “cake” for Ba Zai, consisting of:

• Fresh carrots
• Pumpkin pieces
• Grapes
• Other panda-friendly fruits
• Bamboo leaf decorations

DiDi’s Special Gift DiDi went beyond the traditional celebration by creating a unique gift: a custom “Chinese-style seat” (中式座椅) made from recycled ride-hailing vehicle tires. This creative gift:

• Provides comfortable resting spots for Ba Zai and his companions
• Promotes the concept of recycling and environmental protection
• Symbolizes the connection between urban transportation and wildlife conservation

Social Media Impact The birthday celebration was documented and shared across social media platforms, generating significant engagement and raising public awareness about giant panda conservation.

Conservation Significance

Genetic Diversity Ambassador

As a carrier of the rare brown-coat gene, Ba Zai represents an important link in giant panda conservation genetics:

1. Genetic research: His existence helps scientists understand how recessive traits are passed through generations
2. Breeding potential: Ba Zai could potentially produce brown-coated offspring if bred with another carrier
3. Species survival: His offspring would contribute to the genetic diversity of the Qinling subspecies

Educational Value

Ba Zai’s story serves as an educational tool:

• Demonstrating how genetic traits are inherited
• Highlighting the importance of conservation breeding programs
• Promoting public engagement with wildlife protection

Environmental Symbol

Ba Zai has become a symbol of environmental consciousness:

• His image appears in environmental campaigns
• His story connects urban life (via DiDi’s adoption) with wildlife conservation
• He represents the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature

Future Prospects

As Ba Zai continues to mature, he may:

• Become a potential breeding partner in the giant panda conservation program
• Continue serving as an educational ambassador for the Qinling subspecies
• Contribute to ongoing research into coat color genetics
• Inspire further conservation initiatives through his popularity

His genetic heritage as a carrier of the rare Bace2 mutation makes him scientifically valuable even as he ages, ensuring continued attention from conservation researchers.

Sources & References

• Qinling Giant Panda Research Center official records
• DiDi Public Welfare Foundation adoption announcement (April 22, 2024)
• Wei Fuwen et al., “Taking a color photo: A homozygous 25-bp deletion in Bace2 may cause brown-and-white coat color in giant pandas,” PNAS, March 5, 2024
• China Environmental Protection Foundation documentation
• Qinling Sibao Park public records
• Social media documentation of birthday celebrations and daily activities