Ya Yun

Basic Profile

Ya Yun (Chinese: 娅韵, studbook number 796) is a female giant panda born on September 10, 2010 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, weighing 155 grams at birth.

Her mother is Ya Ya (娅娅, studbook 362) — the legendary “Asian Games Princess” — and her father is Ke Bi (科比), the cub named by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch on the 1992 Barcelona Olympics opening day. She is the youngest of Ya Ya’s 13 offspring.

Personality

Ya Yun is described as quiet and calm (性格淡定), with a preference for quiet environments. She enjoys eating bamboo leaves and apples. When she moved to Changsha, she immediately went for the food upon arrival, while her companion Er Xi headed for the air conditioner — a perfect illustration of their contrasting personalities.

Life Journey

Changsha Eco-Zoo (2013–2017)

On June 17, 2013, Ya Yun and male panda Er Xi (二喜) flew to Changsha Eco-Zoo in Hunan Province. The pair had grown up together at Chengdu Base and were described as “childhood sweethearts” (青梅竹马). A Chengdu keeper accompanied them for 6 months to ensure their smooth adaptation.

Ya Yun adjusted quickly, while the more energetic Er Xi famously climbed the air conditioner vent to cool off.

On May 25, 2017, both pandas returned to the Chengdu Base.

Motherhood (2018)

On June 5, 2018, Ya Yun gave birth to twin cubs (a male and female pair):

• Yun Wen (韵文, female, 135.3g) — the elder
• Yun Wu (韵武, male, 148.8g)

She demonstrated strong maternal instincts, immediately cradling and licking her newborns — skills she inherited from her mother Ya Ya.