Lin Yang

Basic Profile

Lin Yang (Chinese: 林阳, studbook number 538) is a male giant panda born on September 28, 2001 at the CCRCGP Hetaoping Base in Wolong, Sichuan.

His mother is Tang Tang (唐唐, studbook 446) and his father is Pan Pan (盼盼, studbook 308). His siblings include Gong Zhu (公主), Ye Ye (晔晔), Gu Gu (古古), Long Hui (龙徽, Vienna), Lin Hui (林惠, Thailand), and Ju Xiao (菊笑). His twin sister Lin Hui (studbook 539) traveled to Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand in 2003.

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Life Journey

Move to Bifengxia (2003)

On December 22, 2003, Lin Yang was transferred from Hetaoping to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base.

Fuzhou Panda World (2005–2023)

On April 8, 2005, Lin Yang was loaned to Fuzhou Panda World (海峡福州熊猫世界) alongside another male panda, Fu Fu (福福). They made their public debut on April 27, 2005 — Lin Yang weighed 81 kg at the time.

In September 2005, after spending the summer at the Guling Panda Mountain Villa to escape Fuzhou’s heat, Lin Yang had gained 12 kg, reaching 97 kg.

Taiwan Rumor

In 2005, there were widespread rumors that Lin Yang and Fu Fu would be gifted to Taiwan. The reports were later confirmed as misinformation.

2008: Return and Return

On May 6, 2008, Lin Yang briefly returned to Bifengxia, but on June 24, 2008, he was sent back to Fuzhou, where he would remain for the next 15 years.

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The Wowotou Incident

Lin Yang became famous for an unusual medical emergency: he once ate wowotou (steamed cornbread) too quickly and choked, nearly dying. Veterinarians successfully saved him — believed to be the first recorded case of a panda choking on food in captivity. The incident is documented on his educational display board at Fuzhou Panda World.

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Retirement

In 2023, Lin Yang was moved to the Dujiangyan Base non-public area for retirement.

Death Rumors (2023)

When his twin sister Lin Hui died in Thailand in April 2023, rumors circulated online that Lin Yang had also died or disappeared. The China Conservation and Research Center issued an official statement confirming that Lin Yang was alive and well, living peacefully in retirement at Dujiangyan. Lin Bing (林冰) and Du Du (嘟嘟) were also confirmed safe.