Ya Guang

Basic Profile

Ya Guang (Chinese: 娅光, studbook number 530) is a male giant panda born on August 20, 2001 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. He is the son of the legendary matriarch Ya Ya (娅娅, studbook 362) — the “Asian Games Princess” — and Ha Lan (哈兰, studbook 208). He has a twin brother, Ya Xiang (娅祥, studbook 529).

Early Life at Chengdu Base

Ya Guang was born alongside his twin brother Ya Xiang on August 20, 2001, as part of his mother Ya Ya’s prolific breeding career. He spent his early years at the Chengdu Research Base, growing up in the controlled breeding environment under the care of experienced keepers.

Loan to Huai’an Zoo (2009)

In January 2009, Ya Guang was loaned to Huai’an Zoo in Jiangsu Province for public exhibition. On January 17, 2009, he made his debut at the zoo, accompanied by his dedicated keeper Duan Dongqiong, who traveled with him to manage his care. He was flown to Nanjing and housed in a climate-controlled 60m² indoor enclosure with over 400m² of outdoor space.

During this period, weighing approximately 90 kg, Ya Guang consumed 30–40 kg of fresh bamboo daily, along with several wowotou brought from Sichuan and about 400 g of apples.

In December 2009, after less than a year, he was returned to the Chengdu Research Base.

Decade at Wenzhou Zoo (2010–2020)

In April 2010, with approval from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ya Guang was loaned to Wenzhou Zoo in Zhejiang Province alongside another male panda, Ji You (绩优). The loan was initially planned for 5 years but was extended, resulting in a stay of over a decade.

Ya Guang became a beloved figure in Wenzhou, known among locals as an old friend of the city. On August 9, 2014, Wenzhou Zoo celebrated his 13th birthday with a custom double-layer fruit ice cake, inviting the public to participate in panda conservation awareness activities.

Personality

Ya Guang is described by his keepers as timid and gentle. He has a regular daily routine and is easily startled by sudden noises. According to his keeper, he must not be disturbed while sleeping or he will become irritable. However, his care is exceptionally easy — he is not a picky eater at all. His favorite treats are, in order: carrots, wowotou (steamed cornbread), and apples.

Return to Sichuan (2020)

On July 5, 2020, after ten years in Wenzhou, Ya Guang and Ji You departed the zoo and returned to Sichuan. The return was prompted by the expiration of the science exchange and cooperation agreement with the Chengdu Research Base, as well as the need for Wenzhou Zoo to renovate its panda enclosure to meet updated exhibition facility standards. Upon return, Ya Guang was placed at the Chengdu Research Base.

Current Status

Ya Guang resides at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, living a quiet retirement lifestyle. In 2025, he turned 24 years old.