Jin Xi

Basic Profile

Jin Xi (Chinese: 金喜, meaning “golden happiness”), studbook number 1109, is a male giant panda born on September 1, 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China.

His name, Jin Xi (金喜), symbolizes happiness and blessings. He has a twin sister named Jin Shuang (金双, “golden double”), their combined names meaning “double happiness” and “good things coming in pairs.” He was described by his keepers in Chengdu as having a lively and active personality.

Jin Xi has a distinctive feature: a black spot on his right cheek that resembles a freckle.

Journey to Madrid

In 2024, the previous Madrid Zoo pandas Bing Xing (冰星, sb?) and Hua Zuiba (花嘴巴, sb?) returned to China after a successful breeding program that produced six cubs. To continue the long-running China-Spain panda cooperation, Jin Xi was selected alongside female Zhu Yu (茱萸, born October 25, 2020) as the new ambassador pair.

On April 29, 2024, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu departed from Chengdu on a dedicated flight to Madrid. They traveled at 18°C with 200 kg of bamboo in temperature-controlled crates, accompanied by a keeper and veterinarian from the Chengdu base.

Arrival in Madrid

Upon landing at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport on April 29, 2024, at 5:50 PM, the pandas were met by the Madrid Zoo’s Veterinary and Conservation team and escorted by SEPRONA (Spanish Civil Guard’s Nature Protection Service) and Municipal Police to Madrid Zoo Aquarium.

After a month-long sanitary quarantine, they were introduced to the public in late May 2024. At the time, Jin Xi weighed approximately 110 kg. The zoo’s director of biology noted that the pair would need 2-3 years to mature before breeding attempts.

Life in Madrid

Jin Xi resides in the specially designed panda pavilion at Madrid Zoo, which was upgraded and renovated following recommendations from Chinese expert teams. His daily diet consists primarily of bamboo, with supplements including apples, carrots, and specially formulated panda bread. Madrid Zoo has a highly successful track record with giant panda breeding, having produced six cubs since 2010 with the previous pair.

The 10-year conservation agreement with China extends through 2035, marking more than three decades of panda conservation collaboration between Spain and China.