Twin giant pandas, Xiao Xiao (male) and Lei Lei (female), born at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and returned to China in January 2026, were opened to the public at the Bifengxia Base in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, China, on September 29, appearing before visitors.

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At the Bifengxia Base, their older sister, Xiang Xiang, also born at Ueno Zoo, also lives. The three pandas, Xiang Xiang, Xiao Xiao, and Lei Lei, are housed in the same area but cared for individually. In addition, their mother, Shin Shin, also lives in a non-public area of the same base.

Lei Lei
Older sister Xiang Xiang
A CMG reporter spoke to the zookeepers in charge about the pandas' situation.

Regarding Xiao Xiao, the zookeeper said, "During the quarantine period, he preferred indoors and would even carry food placed outdoors back to his room to eat. After moving to the public area, he spends more time outdoors, and he is often seen sleeping in his favorite covered space."

Although he showed some signs of tension immediately after moving to the public area, he reportedly began eating bamboo soon after going outdoors. Currently, he has a good appetite, is in good health, has gained weight, and continues to grow.

On the other hand, because he is sensitive to sound, measures such as installing soundproof glass are being taken to create a quiet environment for him.

Xiao Xiao, who moved to the public area after completing the quarantine period
Regarding Lei Lei, it was reported, "Her daily routine has been stable since returning to China; she eats well and sleeps well. When she sees me, she approaches me on her own, and her way of begging for panda mantou (steamed corn flour buns) and apples is very cute."

Even when she first went out to the outdoor enclosure, she was very calm, reportedly adapted to the new environment in about 1 to 2 hours, and then ate her meal looking relaxed.

Among supplemental foods, she particularly likes panda mantou and is said to eat it before carrots or apples. Her estrus period has now settled, and she is spending her days leisurely.

Lei Lei, who moved to the public area after completing the quarantine period
Furthermore, as part of environmental enrichment, new resting platforms utilizing trees have been installed in the animal house, designed to be used as shelter from rain, resting spots, and also allowing for tree climbing.

Regarding their mother Shin Shin, the zookeeper said, "Recently, she has been eating bamboo shoots well, has a robust appetite, and is in good health."

She continues to have her weight and blood pressure managed, and her blood pressure is reportedly lower and more stable than when she was in Japan. Also, it was stated, "Her teeth are so strong that you wouldn't think she's over 20 years old, and she eats well." Therefore, her food intake is adjusted to prevent overeating, and exercise is also encouraged.

Her feeding and physical condition are stable, and although there are changes due to aging, there are no major problems. Due to her advanced age, her blood pressure and blood lipids are checked regularly, and her care plan is flexibly reviewed according to her condition, such as adjusting feeding amounts according to veterinary instructions.

Shin Shin
Of the four pandas introduced this time, Xiang Xiang, Xiao Xiao, and Lei Lei currently live in the public area, and visitors can see them. On the other hand, their mother Shin Shin, due to her advanced age, is currently living peacefully in a non-public area, receiving health management from zookeepers. (Provided by/CGTN Japanese)