2023 in Panda History
Explore all panda events, updates, and milestones from 2023. This timeline includes birth announcements, conservation activities, and significant moments for pandas worldwide.
All Events in 2023
87 eventsLe Le's Farewell in Singapore
Over a thousand Singaporeans gathered at River Wonders to bid farewell to Le Le before his return to China. A joint music event "Friendship Forever" was held by the Chinese Embassy and Mandai Wildlife Group.
Yang Guang and Tian Tian Return to China
After 12 years in Scotland, Yang Guang and Tian Tian returned to China and entered quarantine at the Ya'an Bifengxia Base.
Ai Hin Returns to Chengdu Base
Ai Hin returned to the Chengdu Research Base from the Qinling Panda Research Center, completing a full circle journey across Japan, Shaanxi, and Sichuan.
Birth of Jia Hua
Jia Hua was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Birth of Kang Hua
Kang Hua was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Jia He Transferred to Guangzhou Chimelong as Mate for Meng Meng
Jia He was selected as the "live-in son-in-law" for Meng Meng, the eldest of the world's only surviving panda triplets. He was transferred from Wolong Shenshuping to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park for breeding.
Mei Xiang Returns to China
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji returned to China aboard FedEx Panda Express, landing at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after 23 years in the US.
Mei Xiang returns to China
After 23 years, Mei Xiang returned to China with Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji.
Xiao Qi Ji Returns to China
Xiao Qi Ji returned to China from the US.
Birth of Liang Yun
Liang Yun was born at dalian_zoo.
Birth of Xing Yun Second
Xing Yun Second was born at dalian_zoo.
Meng Lan Injures Left Front Paw
Keepers discovered blood on the enclosure climbing frame. A bamboo splinter had cut Meng Lan's left front paw pad. Veterinarians cleaned and disinfected the wound, and he recovered normally.
Hui Bao Named at 100-Day Ceremony
Hui Bao was named through a public vote in Korea.
Rui Bao Named at 100-Day Ceremony
Rui Bao was named through a public vote in Korea.
Birth of Jia Yun
Jia Yun was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Birth of Kang Yun
Kang Yun was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Birth of Bao Xing Second
Bao Xing Second was born at shanghai_zoo.
Birth of Mei Xing Second
Mei Xing Second was born at shanghai_zoo.
Fan Xing Returns to China
Fan Xing departed Ouwehands Zoo with a farewell ceremony featuring lion and dragon dances, as hundreds of Dutch fans bid her goodbye. She arrived at the China Conservation and Research Center the same day.
Birth of Liang Xing
Liang Xing was born at dalian_zoo.
Birth of Xing Xing Third
Xing Xing Third was born at dalian_zoo.
Shuang Shuang Adopted by Weilong
Shuang Shuang and his twin Chong Chong were lifelong adopted by Weilong (卫龙), renamed "霸小宝" and "道小贝."
Yi Yi Returns to China
Yi Yi returned to China from Malaysia.
Ding Ding Gives Birth to Katyusha
Ding Ding gave birth to Russia's first panda cub.
Ru Yi Fathers Katyusha
Ru Yi's daughter Katyusha was born in Moscow.
Ya Yi 10th Birthday Livestream
Ya Yi's 10th birthday celebration was livestreamed across multiple platforms, attracting over 10,000 participants.
Birth of Jia Xing
Jia Xing was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Birth of Kang Xing
Kang Xing was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Xiang Guo moves to Hangzhou Zoo
Xiang Guo and Chun Sheng arrived at Hangzhou Zoo for a three-year educational exhibition.
Cheng Hehua Becomes China's Top Internet Celebrity Panda
The hashtag "熊猫和花" tops trending lists as Cheng Hehua becomes China's most famous internet celebrity panda.
Birth of Liang Ning
Liang Ning was born at dalian_zoo.
Birth of Xing Ning
Xing Ning was born at dalian_zoo.
Birth of Jia Ning
Jia Ning was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Birth of Kang Ning
Kang Ning was born at fuzhou_panda_world.
Gong Zhu dies from lymphoma
Gong Zhu passed away from systemic malignant lymphoma at approximately 25 years of age.
Cheng Hehua Featured in Chengdu Universiade Promotional Video
Hua Hua appears in the promotional video "New Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains: Dynamic Sichuan" for the 31st Chengdu Summer Universiade, sharing screen time with keeper Tan Grandpa.
Birth of Xiao Guang
Xiao Guang was born at shanghai_zoo.
Birth of Xue Snow
Xue Snow was born at china_conservation_and_research_center.
Birth of Xing Rong
Xing Rong was born at china_conservation_and_research_center.
Birth of Xing Ya Jr.
Xing Ya Jr. was born at china_conservation_and_research_center.
Birth of Yun Yan
Yun Yan was born at china_conservation_and_research_center.
Birth of Mang Cancan
Mang Cancan was born at Chongqing Zoo, the fifth cub of Mang Zai.
Birth of Mang Mang
Mang Mang was born at chongqing_zoo.
Mang Zai gives birth to Mang Cancan
Mang Zai gave birth to a single male cub weighing 191g — the heaviest newborn panda ever recorded at Chongqing Zoo. The cub was later named Mang Cancan via online poll in January 2024.
Cheng Hehua's Third Birthday and Rising Fame
Cheng Hehua's third birthday celebration attracts massive crowds and viral social media content.
Meng Lan Celebrates 8th Birthday at Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo prepared a custom cake and decorated enclosure for Meng Lan's 8th birthday celebration, attended by fans and media.
Xiu Qiu Transferred to Chengdu Base
Xiu Qiu moved to the Chengdu Research Base, where she currently resides.
Visitor pours water on Yuan Run
A male visitor poured bottled water on Yuan Run in Villa 1. He was banned for life from both the Chengdu Base and Panda Valley.
Le Le's remains returned to China
Le Le's remains arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Serum and semen samples were also repatriated for research.
Ya Ya Returns to China
Ya Ya returned to China after 20 years at Memphis Zoo.
Death of Lin Hui
Lin Hui died from atherosclerosis at Chiang Mai Zoo, sparking international grief. Joint investigation confirmed natural causes, debunking abuse rumors.
Lin Hui passes away
Lin Hui died from multi-organ failure caused by atherosclerosis. Her death was mourned across Thailand and China.
Cheng Hehua Becomes Internet Celebrity
Videos of Cheng Hehua went viral across China.
Bing Bing dies at 36
Bing Bing, the round-faced matriarch of the Chengdu Base, died at 36 years old.
Ya Yi Drinks Discarded Visitor Beverage — Public Discussion
Ya Yi found and drank from a discarded visitor beverage in her enclosure. The incident sparked public discussion about visitor conduct and the zoo later strengthened enforcement of rules against dropping items into panda enclosures.
Tourists pour water on Fu Wan
Three visitors poured water on Fu Wan, causing her to retreat in fear. Keepers intervened immediately. The base later announced a visitor blacklist system and physical barrier upgrades.
Qi Qi Undergoes Intestinal Surgery
Qi Qi survived intestinal obstruction surgery at Renji Hospital, recovering fully by May 2023.
Ei Mei Returns to China from Japan
Ei Mei returned to China after 29 years in Japan.
Sakura Hin Returns to China
Sakura Hin returned to China with her father Eimei and twin sister Tou Hin after a farewell ceremony attended by 2,000 Japanese fans at Adventure World.
Tou Hin returned to China
Tou Hin returned to China with her father Eimei and sister Sakura Hin.
Sakura Hin returned to China
Sakura Hin returned to China with her father Eimei and sister Tou Hin.
Le Le passes away at Memphis Zoo
Le Le was found dead at Memphis Zoo at age 25. Joint necropsy identified cardiac lesions as the likely cause; over 70 tissue samples were tested.
Death of Qing Qing
Qing Qing died at Chengdu Base at age 38, one of the oldest pandas ever recorded. Her legacy as the "Hero Mother" of the captive population — 13 cubs, 9 litters, all self-raised — remains unmatched.
Long Xin transferred to Fengtongzhai Dengchigou
Long Xin moved to Fengtongzhai Dengchigou, the Panda International Traceability Camp in Baoxing County.
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About 2023 in Panda History
The year 2023 represents an important chapter in panda conservation and history. This timeline captures all significant events related to giant pandas during this period, including births, transfers, conservation milestones, and other notable moments that contribute to our understanding and preservation of this beloved species.
Event Distribution
- • Total events: 87
- • Birth announcements: 42
- • Transfer events: 22
- • Conservation activities: 9
Data Coverage
- • Locations: 21
- • Pandas mentioned: 79
- • Sources: Official records & verified reports
Timeline data compiled from official conservation institution records, verified news sources, and research publications. Last updated: May 24, 2026