Jia Yueyue

Basic Profile

Jia Yueyue (Chinese: 加悦悦, studbook 988) is a female giant panda born on October 13, 2015 at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. She weighed 115.1 grams at birth. Her mother is Er Shun (二顺, studbook 646) and her father is Da Mao (大毛, studbook 645). She has a twin brother, Jia Panpan (加盼盼, studbook 987). They were the first giant pandas ever born in Canada, and their birth on October 13 coincided with the 45th anniversary of Canada-China diplomatic relations.

Naming

On March 7, 2016, the twin cubs were officially named at a ceremony at Toronto Zoo attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Jia Yueyue” (加悦悦) means “Canada’s Joy,” symbolizing the happiness the cubs brought to Canada. The name was selected from seven candidate sets through an online public vote.

Life in Canada

Jia Yueyue spent her early years at the Toronto Zoo with her mother and brother. On March 19, 2018, she and Jia Panpan were transferred to the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, where they continued to be popular attractions. Her 3rd birthday was celebrated at Calgary Zoo with a three-day event featuring special treats and enrichment activities.

Return to China

On January 12, 2020, Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan returned to China aboard a flight to Chengdu, as per the terms of the conservation agreement. They underwent a one-month quarantine at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Life at Wuxi Zoo

On April 18, 2025, Jia Yueyue arrived at Wuxi Zoo in Jiangsu Province alongside Yu Bao (渝宝) from Chongqing Zoo, beginning a five-year educational exhibit. After a 7-day quarantine, she made her public debut on April 25, 2025. Her habitat features climate-controlled indoor spaces with soundproof glass, and an outdoor area with trees, rocks, pools, and enrichment items including trampolines, swings, and foraging devices. On October 13, 2025, Wuxi Zoo held her 10th birthday celebration featuring her专属 song “Gun Gun Zhi Ge” (Rolling Song) and limited-edition merchandise.

Characteristics

Jia Yueyue is known for her distinctive oversized eye patches that extend toward her nose, giving her a unique appearance. She has earned the nickname “White Moonlight” (白月光) among fans. She has a gentle, quiet personality and is cautious when adapting to new environments. She enjoys bamboo shoots and apples, loves climbing trees, and shows particular interest in roses. She is fastidious about cleanliness, avoiding muddy paths on rainy days, and is most active in her outdoor enclosure during morning hours.