Run Yue

Basic Profile

Run Yue (润玥), affectionately known by her nickname “Cai Cai” (菜菜), is a female giant panda born on June 5, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. She holds studbook number 1222.

Family

Run Yue is the daughter of Yuan Run (园润, studbook 853) and Mei Lan (美兰, studbook 649). Her mother Yuan Run is known for her gentle personality, while her father Mei Lan is a famous US-born panda from Zoo Atlanta. Through her father, Run Yue is a half-sibling to many well-known pandas including He Hua (和花), He Ye (和叶), and Meng Lan (萌兰).

The “Jiu Cai Hua Ye” Group

Run Yue gained widespread popularity as a member of the “Jiu Cai Hua Ye” (玖菜花叶) quartet — Ai Jiu (艾玖), Run Yue/Cai Cai (菜菜), He Hua (和花), and He Ye (和叶). This group of four female pandas, born in 2020, grew up together at the Chengdu Base’s幼年园 (nursery) and became one of the most beloved panda groups in China. Their daily antics, captured by base cameras and shared on social media, attracted millions of fans worldwide.

Personality and Appearance

Run Yue is easily recognizable by her noticeably yellowish fur, which is more pronounced than that of her peers. She has a lively, outgoing personality and is known for her exceptional climbing skills — often spotted high in the trees at the nursery. Bamboo shoots are her absolute favorite food, and she approaches mealtime with great enthusiasm.

Life Journey

Early Years (2020–2022)

Run Yue spent her early years at the Chengdu Base幼年园 (nursery), growing up alongside Ai Jiu, He Hua, and He Ye. During this period, the four pandas became an internet sensation, with live-streamed feeding sessions and playful moments generating widespread attention across Chinese social media platforms.

Move to亚成年园 (2022)

On October 27, 2022, Run Yue and Ai Jiu were moved from the幼年园 (nursery) to the亚成年园 (sub-adult enclosure), marking their transition to the next stage of life. He Hua and He Ye remained in the幼年园 as they had not yet reached the required weight threshold.

Current Life

Run Yue continues to live at the Chengdu Base, where she is cared for by dedicated keepers and remains a favorite among visitors for her bright personality and tree-climbing prowess. She was adopted in 2021 under the name “Cai Cai” by a sponsor organization.