Yi Yi

Basic Profile

Yi Yi (Chinese: 谊谊) is a female giant panda born on January 14, 2018, at Zoo Negara (Malaysia National Zoo) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She holds the global studbook number 1120. Her birth weight was 150 grams.

Her parents are Xing Xing (兴兴) and Liang Liang (靓靓). Her older sister is Nuan Nuan (暖暖) (born 2015) and her younger sister is Sheng Yi (升谊) (born 2021).

Naming

On August 1, 2019, Yi Yi was officially named after a public naming contest. The name “谊谊” (Yi Yi) was chosen from three candidates and means “friendship” — symbolizing the bond between China and Malaysia.

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Life in Malaysia

Yi Yi’s first birthday was celebrated on January 14, 2019. Her 2nd birthday on January 14, 2020 was also celebrated at Zoo Negara.

Delayed Return

Yi Yi was originally scheduled to return to China in April 2020 at age 2. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her return was repeatedly postponed. She remained at Zoo Negara until 2023.

5th Birthday (January 14, 2023)

Zoo Negara held a celebration for Yi Yi’s 5th birthday with a special feast.

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Return to China

On August 29, 2023, a farewell ceremony was held at Zoo Negara. Yi Yi and Sheng Yi departed Malaysia that evening, arriving in Chengdu on August 30, 2023. They entered quarantine at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center.