Rou Rou

Basic Profile

Rou Rou (柔柔), officially named Mei Lan (梅兰) and affectionately nicknamed “Mei Cai Kou Rou” (梅菜扣肉) and “Rou Rou” (肉肉), is a female giant panda born on May 29, 2016, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. She holds studbook number 991 and weighed 135 grams at birth.

Family

Rou Rou is the daughter of Yong Yong (勇勇, studbook 584) and Mei Bang (梅浜, studbook 737). Her mother Mei Bang was born in Japan at Adventure World, Wakayama, as part of the renowned “Bang Family” (浜家族) — the largest overseas giant panda family. Mei Bang returned to China in 2013 with her twin brother Yong Bang.

As a first-time mother, Mei Bang initially struggled to care for her newborn — she did not immediately pick up the wailing cub. Keepers intervened to warm the cub, and after several attempts, Mei Bang eventually learned to hold and nurse her baby. This touching story of maternal bonding became widely known among panda fans.

Personality and Appearance

Rou Rou is instantly recognizable by her exceptionally large, round face — earning her the nickname “Big Face Killah” among fans. Her fur is noticeably more yellowish than that of most pandas, and her fluffy, dense coat gives her a plush, teddy-bear-like appearance. Weighing approximately 120 kilograms as an adult, she is a sizable and robust female.

Her personality is lively and playful. She loves water, often splashing in pools during summer, and delights in playing in snow during winter. She is also known for being clever and interactive with her keepers, who frequently prepare special treats like pumpkins for her.

Life Journey

Early Development (2016)

Despite being the largest cub of the 2016 cohort, Rou Rou was slow to develop physically. At four months old, she still could not stand or walk, and could only crawl and “paddle” on the ground, earning her the teasing nickname “the big block that can’t walk.” She moved from the Sun Nursery (太阳产房) to the Moon Nursery (月亮产房) on December 28, 2016, and finally mastered standing independently at nine months of age.

Kindergarten (2017)

On December 22, 2017, Rou Rou entered the Giant Panda Kindergarten (幼年园), beginning group life alongside other cubs. Here, she flourished both socially and physically.

Dujiangyan Panda Valley (2018–present)

On December 14, 2018, Rou Rou graduated from the nursery and moved to the Dujiangyan Panda Valley (都江堰熊猫谷), where she continues to live. She has become one of the star residents of the valley, known for her tree-climbing in summer and snow-play in winter.

Birthday Celebrations

Rou Rou’s birthdays are celebrated annually by the Panda Valley staff with special ice cakes and pumpkin decorations. Her 7th birthday celebration on May 29, 2023, attracted significant media attention and fan celebrations.