Qin Xin

Basic Profile

Qin Xin (Chinese: 琴心, studbook number 995) is a female giant panda born on July 16, 2016 at the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center.

Her mother is Shu Qin (淑琴) — a first-time mother who showed strong maternal instincts, immediately cradling her newborn. Her father is either Jin Ke (津柯) or Xiang Ge (香格). Keepers described her at birth as robust with a loud cry — a healthy, strong cub.

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Wild Training

Phase 1: Hetaoping

Qin Xin began wild training early, learning survival skills in controlled environments.

Phase 2: Tiantai Mountain

On December 15, 2017, Qin Xin and her mother Shu Qin were transferred to the Wolong Tiantai Mountain wild training area — a 200,000-square-meter natural habitat simulation. For one year, Qin Xin learned to forage, build dens, and navigate the terrain. She notably dug through the electronic fence five times, demonstrating her strong wild instincts and adaptability.

Expert Assessment

On November 29-30, 2018, an expert panel confirmed that Qin Xin had successfully completed both training phases and was ready for release to the wild.

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Release to the Wild

On December 27, 2018, Qin Xin and Xiao He Tao (小核桃) were released together in the Longxi-Hongkou National Nature Reserve in Dujiangyan — the first captive-born pandas released in the Chengdu area. Qin Xin weighed 64 kg and measured 117 cm at release.

Both pandas were fitted with GPS collars for post-release monitoring.

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Post-Release Status

In January 2022, infrared cameras in the reserve captured images of a panda with collar pressure marks on its neck. Based on release records and habitat activity analysis, experts believe this surviving panda is highly likely to be Qin Xin.

As of 2023, the rewilding program has successfully integrated 9 surviving individuals into the wild population, using DNA fecal analysis and camera monitoring to track their progress.