Qing Zhu Yu

Basic Profile

Qing Zhu Yu (Chinese: 庆茱萸, meaning “celebratory dogwood”), studbook number 1252, is a female giant panda born on October 25, 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China. Her birth coincided with the Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival), and she was named Zhu Yu (茱萸) after the dogwood plant traditionally associated with the festival.

Her mother is Qing He (庆贺, sb537), a member of the renowned Qing Qing family, and her twin brother is Qing Chong Yang (庆重阳, sb1251, also known as Qiang Qiang). She also has older siblings Qi Qi (启启), Dian Dian (点点), Qian Qian (茜茜), Qi Cheng (启程), and Qi Hang (启航). As a cub, she was known for her worried expression and heart-shaped head patch.

Adoption by Xuexi Qiangguo

On February 4, 2021, the “Xuexi Qiangguo” (Learning Powered Country) platform under the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee adopted the twin pair and renamed them Qiang Qiang (强强) and Guo Guo (国国), with Qing Zhu Yu becoming Guo Guo. The pair served as “Xuexi Qiangguo Image Ambassadors” to promote panda culture and traditional Chinese culture nationwide.

Journey to Madrid

In early 2024, the previous Madrid Zoo pandas — Bing Xing (冰星) and Hua Zui Ba (花嘴巴) along with their three cubs — returned to China after 17 years of successful breeding that produced six cubs. To continue the China-Spain conservation partnership, Qing Zhu Yu was selected alongside male Jin Xi (金喜, sb1109) as the new ambassador pair.

On April 29, 2024, Qing Zhu Yu and Jin Xi departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a dedicated flight to Madrid. After landing at Madrid-Barajas Airport, they were transferred to Madrid Zoo Aquarium under escort by SEPRONA and Municipal Police.

Life in Madrid

After a month-long quarantine period, Qing Zhu Yu and Jin Xi made their public debut on May 30, 2024, with Spanish Queen Emeritus Sofia attending the ceremony. At the time, Qing Zhu Yu weighed approximately 100 kg. The pair is expected to remain in Madrid for 10 years under the China-Spain giant panda conservation research agreement.

Basic Profile

Qing Zhu Yu (Chinese: 庆茱萸), known by her nicknames “Qing Xiao” (庆小), “Zhu Yu” (茱萸), and “Guo Guo” (国国), is a female giant panda born on October 25, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. She holds the global studbook number 1252.

Her mother is Qing He (庆贺), and she has several siblings including Qi Qi (启启), Dian Dian (点点), Qi Hang (启航), Qing Chong Yang (庆重阳/强强)(twin brother), Qian Qian (茜茜), and Qi Cheng (启程).

Naming

Born on the traditional Chinese Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival), she and her twin brother were named “Qing Chong Yang” (庆重阳) and “Qing Zhu Yu” (庆茱萸) — both names referencing the festival’s customs of climbing heights and wearing cornus (茱萸) leaves.

On February 4, 2021, the “Xue Xi Qiang Guo” (学习强国) national study platform adopted the twins as their official mascots, renaming them “Qiang Qiang” (强强) and “Guo Guo” (国国) — together forming the phrase “强国” (Strong Country).

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Journey to Spain

Selection

In 2024, Qing Zhu Yu (female) and Jin Xi (金喜) (male) were selected to continue the China-Spain panda conservation program at Madrid Zoo, replacing the previous pandas Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba who returned to China with their cubs.

Departure

On April 29, 2024, Qing Zhu Yu and Jin Xi departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport aboard a charter flight bound for Madrid, Spain. The plane cabin was kept at 20-25°C, and the pandas were provided with fresh Sichuan bamboo and bamboo shoots for the journey. Keepers and veterinarians accompanied them.

Arrival and Quarantine

Upon arrival at Madrid Zoo, the pandas underwent quarantine. The zoo had upgraded its panda facility based on Chinese expert recommendations, including:

• Renovated birthing dens
• Additional climbing structures and enrichment items
• Enhanced habitat design

Chinese experts remained in Madrid for approximately 3 months to help the pandas acclimate.

Public Debut

On May 30, 2024, Qing Zhu Yu made her first public appearance at Madrid Zoo, alongside Jin Xi.

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Life in Madrid

AI Assistant

In October 2024, Madrid Zoo introduced an AI assistant named “Irene” (伊雷尼娅) for Qing Zhu Yu. This virtual助手 can interact with visitors in multiple languages, providing information about panda conservation and Qing Zhu Yu’s daily life.

Appearance

Qing Zhu Yu has a distinctive heart-shaped face (桃心形状头部), making her easily recognizable among panda fans.

Health

As of late 2024, both Qing Zhu Yu and Jin Xi were reported to be in excellent health by Chinese and Spanish veterinary teams.