Shui Ling

Basic Profile

Shui Ling (Chinese: 水灵, “Water Spirit”), studbook number 687, was a female giant panda born on August 24, 2007 at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) Hetaoping Base. Her mother was Long Xin (龙欣) and her twin brother is Qing Feng (清风, studbook 688).

Through her mother, her siblings include Xi Wang, Fu Ni (Australia), Fu Wa/Xing Xing (Malaysia), You You (Yabuli), Han Yuan, Hu Xiao, Yuan Xin/Le Bao (Korea), and others.

Life Journey

Earthquake Survivor (2008)

Shui Ling experienced the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and was among the last group of pandas evacuated from Wolong after the disaster.

National Day Panda (2009)

In April 2009, Shui Ling was selected as one of six young pandas sent to Beijing Zoo’s Olympic Panda Pavilion for the “National Treasures Welcome National Day” exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. She lived there alongside her brother Qing Feng and other pandas.

Sudden Death (2010)

On the afternoon of July 4, 2010, keepers noticed Shui Ling was lethargic and refusing food. Despite emergency veterinary care, she died at 2:55 AM on July 5, 2010 from mesenteric torsion (肠系膜扭转) — a twisted intestine that cuts off blood supply. The condition killed her within hours.

The Delayed Announcement

Shui Ling’s death was confirmed to the public only 20 days later, on July 29, after repeated inquiries. The zoo initially responded with vague explanations (“the weather is too hot, Shui Ling doesn’t want to come out”). Beijing Zoo’s deputy director Zhang Jinguo became emotional during a press conference, explaining they had waited for the full pathology report. The incident sparked public debate about transparency in panda death reporting.

She was described by keepers as lively, playful, and possessive — she loved chasing after her caretakers.