Zhu Lin (1982)

Basic Profile

Zhu Lin (Chinese: 竹琳, “Bamboo Forest Treasure”) was a male giant panda born on September 4, 1982 at Madrid Zoo in Spain. He was the first giant panda born in Europe through artificial insemination to survive.

His mother was Shao Shao (绍绍) and his father was Jia Jia (佳佳) — the pair gifted by China to King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain in 1978 as a state gift. He was one of twins (a female did not survive).

Naming

Zhu Lin’s name was selected through a national discussion across Spain. The name means “Bamboo Forest Treasure.”

The Keeper’s Bond

Zhu Lin was cared for from birth by Mario Robreño, a dedicated keeper who often spent 24 hours a day in the panda house. Mario’s youngest son was born around the same time as Zhu Lin, and Mario would come home each day to share stories: “Zhu Lin had a good appetite today,” “Zhu Lin climbed a tree today.” His wife kept a scrapbook of news clippings about the panda.

Mario later said: “The years caring for Zhu Lin were perhaps the most brilliant and memorable of my life.”

Death and Memorial

Zhu Lin died on April 29, 1996 from prostatitis. His death was front-page news in Spain — the newspaper ABC headlined: “Thousands of Spanish children have lost a dear friend.”

At the initiative of Queen Sofía, Spanish children donated their pocket money to fund a memorial bronze statue, created by sculptor Rager. The plaque reads: “A gift from the children to Zhu Lin.”

His remains were preserved as a specimen at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid.