Peng Peng

Basic Profile

Peng Peng (Chinese: 鹏鹏, studbook number 492) was a male giant panda born on September 5, 1999 at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Wolong, Sichuan.

His father was Pan Pan (盼盼) — the legendary wild-born panda and the most prolific sire in the captive population — and his mother was Xue Xue (雪雪, studbook 444). His siblings included Mei Xiang (美香, studbook 473) — the famous Smithsonian National Zoo female — Lou Sheng (楼生), and Xin Xin (欣欣).

Life Journey

Shanghai Zoo (2007–2011)

On July 27, 2007, Peng Peng was transferred to Shanghai Zoo to participate in celebrations for the Special Olympics and the upcoming 2010 Shanghai World Expo. He spent four years at the zoo, becoming a familiar face to Shanghai residents.

Battle with Blindness

In March 2011, keepers noticed Peng Peng stumbling and having difficulty eating. He was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, and his vision rapidly deteriorated.

On November 10, 2011, Peng Peng underwent cataract surgery at the PLA 108 Hospital near Shanghai Zoo, performed by specialists from the Eye & ENT Hospital. The surgery successfully removed the cataracts, but no artificial lens was implanted — no suitable lens existed for giant pandas. Doctors noted high blood pressure and poor retinal condition, meaning he would likely regain only light perception at best.

Nanyang Zoo (2012–2014)

On September 15, 2012, Peng Peng was transferred to Nanyang People’s Park Zoo in Henan Province for the 7th National Peasants’ Games. He remained there until returning to the Dujiangyan Base on August 26, 2014.

Death

In late November 2017, Peng Peng developed encephalitis (brain inflammation) at the Dujiangyan Base, which triggered seizures. His condition worsened, and on December 7, he suffered a sudden coma with neurological symptoms. CT scans and blood tests confirmed cerebral hemorrhage caused by the encephalitis-induced seizures.

Despite 11 days of intensive treatment involving neurology specialists, Peng Peng never regained consciousness. He passed away on December 17, 2017 — a sad end for a panda who had overcome blindness to live a full life.