Meng Xiang

Basic Profile

Meng Xiang (Chinese: 梦想, meaning “Long-awaited Dream”) is a male giant panda born on September 1, 2019 (local time August 31, 2019), at Berlin Zoological Garden in Germany. He holds the global studbook number 1214. He and his twin brother Meng Yuan (梦圆) were the first giant pandas ever born in Germany.

His parents are Jiao Qing (娇庆, studbook 824) and Meng Meng (梦梦, studbook 868), who arrived in Berlin in 2017 as part of a 15-year Sino-German conservation cooperation agreement marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Meng Xiang also has two younger sisters, Meng Hao (梦好) and Meng Tian (梦甜), born in 2024.

Naming Ceremony

On December 9, 2019, Berlin Zoo held the 100-day naming ceremony for the twin cubs. The names “Meng Xiang” (梦想) and “Meng Yuan” (梦圆) were officially unveiled, meaning “Dream” and “Dream Come True.” The ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Germany Wu Ken, Berlin Mayor Michael Müller, Berlin Zoo Director Andreas Knieriem, and over 100 guests.

Public Debut

On January 29, 2020, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan made their first public appearance at a media event, where they were shown exploring their enclosure and playfully tumbling over each other.

Life in Berlin

Personality

Meng Xiang is known as the more adventurous and outgoing of the twins (by 48 minutes the older brother). Keepers describe him as the first to try new toys and the first to climb higher. Meng Yuan, by contrast, is calmer and more cautious.

Birthday Celebrations

On August 31, 2022, Berlin Zoo celebrated the twins’ third birthday with special treats. The following year, on August 31, 2023, their fourth birthday was marked with a special cake made of ice cream, vegetables, and fruit.

Return to China

Preparations

In November 2021, the twins were weaned and preparations began for their return to China. Per the Sino-German agreement, cubs born overseas must return to China after approximately four years.

In November 2023, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan entered a one-month quarantine period. On December 8, 2023, Berlin Zoo held a farewell ceremony and unveiled a commemorative plaque. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner spoke at the event, praising the successful panda breeding program and the strong Sino-German cooperation.

Journey Home

On December 17, 2023, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan departed Berlin aboard an Air China cargo flight, arriving safely in Chengdu. They underwent a month-long quarantine at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where they currently reside.