The discovery of Panda Qi Zai:
On the evening of November 1, 2009, at around 7 p.m., the staff at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Research Center received a call from the Forestry Bureau of Foping County. They were informed that local villagers had discovered an abandoned, light brown animal cub in desperate need of rescue. Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the cub had not eaten for several hours and was extremely weak. Responding promptly to this critical situation, the rescue center initiated efforts to save the cub. To expedite the process, a rescue vehicle was dispatched to Foping, and the Forestry Bureau of Foping County also arranged vehicles and personnel to transport the cub northward.
After a thorough examination, the rescue personnel confirmed that the cub was undoubtedly a panda, approximately two months old. Due to an extended period without food, the cub was somewhat dehydrated, adding to the urgency of the situation. After providing initial care, the rescue team swiftly drove back to the center.
Naming:
Due to the unique characteristics of this panda cub, bearing a resemblance to the extraterrestrial creature "Qi Zai" from the movie "The Seventh Curse," some suggested naming it "Qi Zai."
Experts suggest that this might be related to the distinctive local geography and climate. Since 1985, this is the fifth brown panda discovered. Researchers found a brown giant panda in the Qinling Mountains and named it "Qi Zai."
Growth:
In December 2014, "Qi Zai" left the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Research Center to reside in the Foping Base.
At the age of 6, the brown panda "Qi Zai" has safely passed the second flood season at the Qinling Giant Panda Wilderness Training Foping Base. Its weight has increased from 89 kilograms when it first arrived at the base to over 100 kilograms, transforming into a chubby "chocolate bear." Consuming over 40 kilograms of bamboo daily, "Qi Zai" maintains a stable and healthy condition, exhibiting increased physical strength, wild instincts, and overall well-being.
By the end of November 2017, "Qi Zai" left Foping and returned to the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Research Center, participating in the 2018 breeding program.
On May 19, 2021, the Qinling Four Treasures Science Park held a press conference, announcing the park's trial opening date as May 28, 2021, with visitor appointments scheduled. During this time, visitors can not only closely observe the Qinling Four Treasures but also see the brown captive panda "Qi Zai."
Image:七仔 - 搜狗百科 (sogou.com)
Translation: Chuan-X Panda