Yuan Zi

Yuan Zi is a male giant panda born on 2008-08-04 at China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. He is registered under studbook number 1249 and has remained in active conservation program participation since his birth. He is the offspring of Po and the female giant panda registered under studbook 844. His lineage is tracked as part of the global giant panda captive breeding registry to maintain genetic diversity of the species. Currently living at ZooParc de Beauval, he participates in the international collaborative giant panda conservation partnership between Chinese and French wildlife institutions. He arrived at the zoo in August 2009, shortly after his first birthday. Yuan Zi displays typical giant panda foraging behaviors, spending roughly 12 hours per day consuming bamboo and supplementary nutrient feeds. He draws over 1 million annual visitors to ZooParc de Beauval, raising public awareness of giant panda habitat loss in south-central China and supporting global species preservation efforts.