Ding Ding

Basic Profile

Ding Ding (Chinese: 叮叮) is a female giant panda born on July 27, 2010 at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. Her original name was Cai Yun (彩云, “Colorful Cloud”).

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Life at Jinan Zoo (2013–2017)

Arrival

On January 30, 2013, Ding Ding and another panda, Dong Dong (咚咚), traveled from Ya’an Bifengxia to Jinan Zoo in Shandong Province. Their arrival was eagerly anticipated — they were the first giant pandas to live in Jinan.

Naming Contest

From February 25 to April 5, 2013, Jinan Zoo held a public naming contest for the pair. Ten candidate names were selected from public submissions, and citizens voted for their favorites. The winning pair: “叮叮” (Ding Ding) and “咚咚” (Dong Dong) — together evoking “泉水叮咚” (quán shuǐ dīng dōng, “spring water dripping”), a perfect tribute to Jinan’s identity as the “City of Springs” (泉城).

Jinan Years

Ding Ding thrived in Jinan, growing to approximately 130 kg by her 5th birthday. She celebrated yearly birthday events that attracted local fans. By 2017, she had reached sexual maturity.

Return to Sichuan (2017)

On February 24, 2017, following directives from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ding Ding was listed in the National Captive Panda Optimized Breeding Plan and returned to the China Conservation and Research Center to participate in the breeding program.

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Current Status

Ding Ding resides at the China Conservation and Research Center, contributing to the national breeding program.