Wild Habitat (Minshan/Qionglai) Timeline

Infrared camera footage captured Zhang Xiang in Yehe Nature Reserve, Liangshan — over 30 km from her release point. She had migrated between two isolated wild populations (Gongyihai and Shihuiyao), proving rewilded pandas can connect fragmented habitats.

Cao Cao was released into Wuyipeng forest and successfully mated with a wild male panda, becoming the first captive panda in history to achieve natural mating with a wild individual.

Zhang Meng and Hua Yan were simultaneously released into Liziping Nature Reserve — the world's first dual-female panda rewilding and first summer dual release.

Hua Jiao became the fifth captive-born panda and second female released into the wild. She disappeared into the bamboo forest at Mama Di release point within 15 seconds.

Xue Xue moved to wild.

Ping Ping was found severely injured in Tangjiahe Reserve, died 8 days later.

Monitoring teams found Tao Tao in a recapture cage at Liziping. He weighed 115 kg, was in excellent health, and was re-released the next day.

Zhang Xiang became the first captive-born female giant panda released into the wild. She walked out of her transport cage into the forests of Liziping Nature Reserve, Xiaoxiangling, after 26 months of mother-reared rewilding training.

Tao Tao became the second captive-born panda released into the wild, and the first using the mother-rearing method. State Forestry Administrator Zhao Shucong opened the cage at 10:13 AM.

Xiang Xiang's body was found at the base of a cliff in Wolong. Autopsy confirmed he died from injuries sustained in a fight with wild pandas. His sacrifice reshaped China's rewilding strategy.

A Bao was born wild in Taibai County, rescued in 2008.

Xiang Xiang became the first captive-born giant panda ever released into the wild. He ran from his enclosure into Wolong's Wuyipeng forest without looking back, watched by scientists and reporters from around the world.

Qiao Qiao was born wild in the Qinling Mountains, rescued injured in 2006.

Xiang Xiang moved to wild.

Wu Gang was born in the wild of Baoxing County.

Shi Shi was found severely wounded in Wenchuan County, Sichuan and rescued.

Gao Gao was born in the wild of Baoxing County, Sichuan.

Cao Cao was born at wild.

Lei Lei was born wild in the forests of Leibo County, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan.

Bai Xue was born at wild.

Xue Xue was born wild in Baoxing, mother of Smithsonian's Mei Xiang.

Ya Pu was born at wild.

Tang Tang was born in the wild of Pingwu, rescued in 1994.

An An was found in the wild of Baoxing, Sichuan, and rescued by wildlife authorities.

Xin Xing was rescued from the wild of Baoxing, later became an important breeding male.

Su Su was born at wild.

Pan Pan was born in the wild of Baoxing County, Sichuan.

Qing Qing was born wild in the Qinling Mountains, rescued with her cub in 2001.

Winter Winter was born at wild.

Long Fei was born at wild.

Yong Ba was born wild in the forests of Baoxing County, Sichuan.

Jia Jia was found foraging in Tangjiahe, Qingchuan County and transferred to Wolong.

Ba Si was born at wild.

Basi was born at wild.

Bao Bao was born at wild.

Ying Ying was rescued from the wild in Baoxing County, Sichuan. She was later paired with Pe Pe and gifted to Mexico.

Pe Pe was born at wild.

Xuan Xuan was born at wild.

Kang Kang was discovered in the wilds of Baoxing County, Sichuan and later selected as a diplomatic gift to Japan.

Tao Tao was born wild in Gansu, rescued in 1986 at age 14.

Hsing Hsing was born at wild.

Ling Ling was born at wild.

Mei Mei was born wild in Meigu County, later became the world's oldest captive panda.

Du Du was born wild in Nanping, later became the world's oldest panda at 37.

Chi Chi was born at wild.

Chi Chi (originally named Qi Qi) was discovered in Baoxing County, Sichuan by a forest survey team and transferred to Beijing Zoo.

An An was born wild in Sichuan, gifted to the Soviet Union in 1959.

Ping Ping was born wild in Baoxing, later became the first panda of "Panda Diplomacy."