Wang Wang

Basic Profile

Wang Wang (Chinese: 网网, “Net Net”, studbook number 865) is a male giant panda born on October 31, 2005 at the Wolong Giant Panda Research Centre in Sichuan, China. His mother was Mao Mao (studbook 388), a wild-born female who died in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. His father was Xiao Xiong (studbook 528).

Life Journey

Birth and Early Life (2005–2009)

Wang Wang was born at the Wolong base and lived there until he was selected alongside Fu Ni (福妮, studbook 866) to become the first giant pandas to reside in the Southern Hemisphere. The pair was offered by Chinese President Hu Jintao to Australia at the 2007 APEC summit in Sydney.

The 2008 Sichuan Earthquake

On May 12, 2008, the devastating Sichuan earthquake destroyed large portions of the Wolong research center. Wang Wang’s mother Mao Mao was killed in the disaster. Wang Wang and Fu Ni were relocated to the Bifengxia Giant Panda Breeding Centre in Ya’an, where they continued preparations for their journey to Australia.

Arrival at Adelaide Zoo (2009)

On November 29, 2009, Wang Wang and Fu Ni arrived at Adelaide Zoo in South Australia, escorted by police in a climate-controlled semitrailer. They officially debuted on December 13, 2009 after Governor-General Quentin Bryce opened their enclosure. The zoo’s “Bamboo Forest” exhibit cost $20 million to construct, and 175 local families helped plant bamboo for the pandas to eat.

Initially on a 10-year loan agreement at $1 million per year, the pair became an instant sensation. Visitor numbers to Adelaide Zoo grew by 70% in their first year. They remained the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere throughout their 15-year stay.

Breeding Attempts

Despite significant efforts spanning more than a decade, Wang Wang and Fu Ni never produced cubs. The zoo attempted both natural mating and multiple artificial insemination procedures. Fu Ni experienced several pseudopregnancies that were difficult to distinguish from actual pregnancies. In 2019, the South Australian government signed a 5-year extension to the original loan, but breeding efforts continued to be unsuccessful. By 2023, zoo officials acknowledged that Fu Ni had likely undergone either a pseudopregnancy or an early pregnancy loss.

Return to China (2024)

On November 15, 2024, after 15 years in Australia, Wang Wang and Fu Ni returned to China. The Chinese Consulate-General in Adelaide and Adelaide Zoo jointly hosted a farewell event. Wang Wang was 19 years old at the time. He now resides at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

Legacy

Wang Wang served as a beloved ambassador for his species for 15 years in Australia. Despite not producing cubs, his presence at Adelaide Zoo educated millions of Australians and international visitors about giant panda conservation and the importance of protecting the species’ wild habitat in China.