Ryu Hin

Basic Profile

Ryu Hin (Chinese: 隆浜, also known as Long Bin), studbook number 573, is a male giant panda born on September 8, 2003 at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama, Japan. His father is Eimei (永明, studbook 390) and his mother is Mei Mei (梅梅, studbook 412). He has a distinctive long snout and pointed nose, characteristic of the “Hama Family” (浜家族) lineage.

Ryu Hin and his twin brother Shuhin (秋浜) made history as the first giant panda twins in captivity to be successfully raised by their mother through natural nursing — their mother Mei Mei provided exclusive breastfeeding for seven months.

Life Journey

Early Years in Japan (2003-2007)

Ryu Hin spent his early years at Adventure World in Japan. On February 6, 2004, he and Shuhin were officially named through a public naming contest. The name “Ryu Hin” carries the character for “prosperity.”

Return to China (2007)

On October 28, 2007, Ryu Hin and Shuhin became the first overseas-born twin giant pandas to return to China. Their departure was major news in Japan, covered as headline news by Japanese media. Upon arrival, they underwent quarantine at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Life at Huai’an Zoo (2017-2020)

On December 22, 2016, Ryu Hin was transferred to Huai’an Zoo in Jiangsu Province alongside the male panda A Bao (阿宝). He lived there until July 20, 2020, when he returned to the Chengdu Research Base.

Return to Chengdu (2020-present)

On October 28, 2025, Ryu Hin and his brother Shuhin were permanently settled at the Chengdu Research Base.

Personality & Characteristics

Ryu Hin is described as having a casual and easygoing personality — he is not easily motivated by food rewards. Unlike most pandas who respond eagerly to apples, Ryu Hin will simply sit and wait if he doesn’t want to do something. Keepers discovered his fondness for honey water and used it successfully for behavior training. He has a “cool” demeanor, often remaining unbothered by attempts to rush him.

Cultural Impact

Ryu Hin has a dedicated fan following in Japan. A group of Japanese fans led by Masuko Keiko, Masuko Kazuhisa, and Isobe Kazuyo traveled to China annually for over a decade to celebrate his birthday, bringing handmade decorations and photo albums. The Japan Giant Panda Conservation Association has described Ryu Hin and Shuhin as “a bond of friendship between Chinese and Japanese people.”

Sources

• Baidu Baike: 大熊猫隆浜
• Adventure World, Japan official records
• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding