Long Long (#878)

Basic Profile

Long Long (Chinese: 隆隆, studbook number 878) is a female giant panda born on July 31, 2013 at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park — the first giant panda ever born in South China (华南地区首只本土出生的大熊猫).

Her mother is Mei Qing (梅清, #547) and her father is Lin Lin (琳琳, #455) — the sire of the world’s first surviving captive triplets (Meng Meng #921, Shuai Shuai #922, Ku Ku #923), born 1997-08-02 at Hetaoping to Xin Xing and Bai Xue, deceased 2015-11-06 at Chimelong. She is the maternal granddaughter of Da Di (大地) and Ying Ying (英英), and paternal granddaughter of Xin Xing (新兴) and Bai Xue (白雪).

📝 Sire note: Mei Qing’s firstborn Qing Shan (#786) was sired by Yuan Yuan (#488), not Lin Lin — the two litters have different fathers (see Qing Shan (青山, #786)).

Naming

The naming contest attracted over 100,000 participants and nearly 10,000 name submissions. The top three were “隆隆” (18,916 votes), “悦悦” (17,785 votes), and “洋洋” (15,426 votes). In a charming twist, mother Mei Qing made the final decision by picking a name slip from a selection — choosing “隆隆.”

Personality

Young Long Long was bratty and willful with her mother, but after independence became introverted and elegant, with keepers describing her as having “imperial consort charm.” She is clean and particular about her habits. In unfamiliar environments, she growls and acts fierce, but once comfortable she returns to her gentle self.

Motherhood: South China’s First Second-Generation Panda

Breeding Journey

In February 2018, keepers noticed Long Long showing estrus signs. On February 24, she was flown to the Wolong Shenshuping Base for breeding. On March 3, she successfully mated three times with Lan Zai (兰仔). She returned to Chimelong on May 10.

Birth

After a 132-day gestation, on July 12, 2018, Long Long gave birth to a male cub — Long Zai (隆仔, studbook 1137). She began eating bamboo shoots just two hours after delivery, recovering quickly. Long Zai was the first second-generation panda born in South China (华南首只子二代), proving that captive-bred pandas could successfully reproduce in South China’s climate.

2026 Controversy

In March 2026, a visitor video showed Long Long appearing to be shocked by an electric pulse fence on her way back to her enclosure. Critics accused the park of using the fence to prevent pandas from “slacking off” and ensure visitor viewing. Chimelong responded that it was a standard electronic pulse perimeter fence, harmless to pandas, and adjusted the settings afterward. Long Long was confirmed to be in good health.