Li Li (#611)

Basic Profile

Li Li (Chinese: 丽丽) was a female giant panda born on August 16, 2005, at the Wolong Hetaoping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. She held the global studbook number 611. Her parents were Ling Ling (灵灵, studbook 424) and Gong Zhu (公主, studbook 477).

World Record Birth

Li Li and her twin sibling were born in the early hours of August 16, 2005 — the first cub at 3:45 AM, weighing 191.5 grams, and Li Li at 5:57 AM, weighing 185 grams. Both exceeded 180 grams, shattering the previous record for the heaviest giant panda twins ever recorded. Dr. Li Desheng, Senior Veterinarian at the Wolong Center, stated: “This is the heaviest twin pair we have ever found. Even single panda cubs rarely exceed 180 grams — for both twins to exceed that is extremely rare.”

Family

Li Li came from a large and well-known family through her father Ling Ling (灵灵, studbook 424):

Siblings include: Ge Ge (格格), Jun Zhu (郡主), Ying Mei (瑛美), Bi Li (比力), Yun Yun (运运), Shan Hu (山虎), Jin Hu (金虎), Huan Huan (欢欢), Mang Zai (莽仔), Meng Meng (萌萌), Si Jia (思嘉), Wu Wen (武雯), Xian Xian (贤贤), Qi Qi (七七), Liang Yue (良月), and Zhu Ling (竹灵).

Relocation After the Earthquake

2008: Evacuation to Guangzhou

After the devastating Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008, geological assessments determined that the Wolong Hetaoping Base was at high risk of secondary disasters. The decision was made to evacuate all pandas to facilities across China.

On June 26, 2008, five pandas from Wolong — Xian Nv (仙女), Yao Yao (耀耀), Li Li (丽丽), Ting Ting (婷婷), and Bai Yang (白杨) — embarked on a 12-hour journey to Guangzhou. They arrived at 7:00 PM and were transferred to the Panyu Xiangjiang Safari World (Chimelong).

Adapting to the South

The Guangzhou relocation posed three major challenges:

1. Eating “Cantonese” bamboo — Different bamboo species than they were accustomed to
2. Hot and humid climate — Very different from Wolong’s temperate mountains
3. New environment — Adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings

To help the pandas acclimate, caretakers played soft Cantonese opera music such as “Rain Beats the Plantain” (雨打芭蕉) and “Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake” (平湖秋月). The music had a calming effect. Within three months, the pandas had adapted well, each gaining 20-40 kg. One panda reached 120 kg, becoming a “chubby” celebrity.

2010: Return to Wolong

On July 20, 2010, Li Li returned to the Ya’an Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center.

Life at Hangzhou Wildlife World

2012: The Move

On September 25, 2012, Li Li, along with Hu Xiao (虎啸) and Shan Hu (山虎), was transferred to Hangzhou Wildlife World by air. Her flight arrived at Xiaoshan Airport at 2:00 PM. After over half an hour of paperwork, Li Li had been in her crate for nearly three hours and was growing impatient.

When she was brought out, she was immediately surrounded by media and spectators. Overwhelmed by the attention and the hot sun, Li Li threw a tantrum — hiding her face from cameras and refusing to cooperate. Keepers quickly moved her to a shaded, ventilated area and poured bottles of cool water over her to help her cool down. Her transport container was also swapped for an air-conditioned vehicle. She was scheduled to meet the public on September 30, 2012.

Final Years

Li Li lived at Hangzhou Wildlife World for 12 years, becoming a beloved resident. She was known for her spirited personality — a far cry from the frightened panda who had arrived in 2012.

Illness and Passing

October 2024: Sudden Decline

On October 28, 2024, Li Li began showing loss of appetite and lethargy. The China Conservation and Research Center dispatched experts to Hangzhou immediately. After comprehensive examination, she was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction.

Experts from two leading local hospitals performed surgery to clear the obstruction. While the surgery was successful in relieving the blockage, the high-level obstruction had triggered gastritis, esophagitis, and pneumonia. The severe pneumonia led to hypoxemia (critically low blood oxygen), and her condition became critical.

November 14, 2024: Passing

Despite all medical efforts, Li Li passed away at 19:26 on November 14, 2024, at the age of 19 years and 3 months. Her death was attributed to complications from the intestinal obstruction and subsequent multi-system failure.

Her passing was mourned by panda fans across China, who remembered her as a survivor — from earthquake evacuee to Cantonese opera-loving panda to Hangzhou’s beloved resident.