Cheng Heye

Basic Profile

Cheng Heye (Chinese: 和叶) is a male giant panda born on July 4, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. He is the fraternal twin brother of the famous panda Cheng Hehua and is known for his lively, outgoing personality and playful antics.

Family & Lineage

Heye shares his parents with Hua Hua: his father is Mei Lan (studbook 649), a well‑known breeding male; his mother is Cheng Gong (studbook 514), nicknamed the “Princess with OCD” for her meticulous habits. Heye’s birth on the same day as his sister marked a significant event for the base, and the twins quickly became a highlight of the captive population.

Through his parents, Heye is part of a large family network. His half‑siblings include Gong Zai, He Qi, He Mei, He Xing, He Sheng, He Feng, and He Yu. This extensive lineage reflects the success of the Chengdu Base breeding program and contributes to the genetic diversity essential for the long‑term health of the captive population.

Living Situation & Conservation Role

Since his birth, Heye has resided continuously at Chengdu Base. The base provides him with a naturalistic environment, expert veterinary care, and enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviors such as foraging, climbing, and social interaction. His daily routine includes browsing on bamboo, participating in enrichment activities, and enjoying the outdoor enclosures that mimic wild conditions.

As a member of the base’s conservation program, Heye plays an indirect but important role in public education. His lively personality attracts visitors, and the base uses his popularity to engage the public in conversations about panda protection, habitat preservation, and the challenges facing the species.

Personality & Cultural Influence

Heye is celebrated for his energetic and curious nature. Unlike his sister’s calm demeanor, he is often seen climbing trees, investigating new enrichment devices, and engaging in playful wrestling with keepers or his sister. His antics are frequently captured in videos and photos shared by the base, earning him a substantial online following.

While his sister Hua Hua is known for her “triangle” pose, Heye is recognized for his exuberance and exploratory behavior. Together, they form a complementary pair that showcases the range of personalities found among giant pandas. Heye’s popularity contributes to the base’s efforts to promote conservation awareness and supports the broader mission of protecting the species.

Timeline of Notable Events

• July 4, 2020: Heye and his twin sister Hua Hua are born at Chengdu Base.
• September 2020: First public debut, attracting media attention.
• July 2023: Celebrates his third birthday with a themed enrichment event that goes viral online.
• 2024–2025: Continues to be a favorite among visitors, with his playful behavior frequently featured in base social media updates.

Sources & Further Reading

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (official records)
• Global Giant Panda Studbook (international data)
• Media reports and social media documentation (2020–2025)