Tong Tong

Basic Profile

Tong Tong (Chinese: 彤彤), studbook number 586, was a male giant panda born on August 30, 2004 at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) Hetaoping Base in Wolong, Sichuan.

His mother is Long Gu (龙古, also known as Quan Quan 泉泉, studbook 460) and his father is Xi Meng (希梦, studbook 474). His siblings include Fu Fu (福福), Xi Mei (喜妹), Xiang Xiang (祥祥), Yang Guang (阳光, studbook 564), and Xin Yue (新月, studbook 565).

Distinctive Feature

Tong Tong had a distinctive patch of white fur on his right hind paw, making him easily identifiable. His lively personality earned him the nickname “Big Water Bucket” (大水桶) from fans.

Life Journey

Shanghai Wildlife Park (2006-2009)

On April 1, 2006, Tong Tong traveled to Shanghai Wildlife Park alongside two other pandas — Rong Rong (融融) and Ya Ao (雅奥).

Tianjin Zoo (2009-2014)

On September 26, 2009, Tong Tong was transferred to Tianjin Zoo, where he was described as the most lively and healthy panda selected from the Ya’an Base.

Return for Breeding (2014-2018)

In late June 2014, Tong Tong returned to CCRCGP for breeding. He moved between Wolong Shenshuping and Ya’an Bifengxia bases over the following years.

Zibo Ruyue Lake (2018-2024)

On September 30, 2018, Tong Tong moved to the Zibo Ruyue Lake Wetland Park in Shandong, where he became a beloved local attraction. His 16th birthday celebration in 2020 was live-streamed, drawing over 140,000 viewers.

Death

On the morning of June 12, 2024, Tong Tong died suddenly. A necropsy revealed gastric pyloric obstruction with significant gastric distension, multi-organ hemorrhage, and acute inflammation, ultimately leading to respiratory and circulatory failure.