Thuraya

Thuraya is a female giant panda born on 2019-07-26 at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. She is listed as individual 1193 in the international giant panda studbook, which tracks the genetic and demographic status of the global captive giant panda population. She is the offspring of Jing Jing (studbook 631) and Xi Zhi (studbook 872). Her genetic line is maintained as part of the coordinated captive breeding program for giant pandas overseen by Chinese conservation authorities. Currently living at Al Khor Park in Qatar, she participates in a joint giant panda conservation education and research partnership between China and Qatar. Her residence at the park brings public attention to global giant panda conservation efforts in the Middle East region. As a young adult giant panda, Thuraya displays species-typical foraging behaviors, primarily consuming bamboo as her main food source. She is a major cultural and conservation ambassador for her species, introducing giant panda ecology to new international audiences. Her presence supports global collaborative efforts to protect endangered giant pandas and their native mountain habitats.