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MEET / 1057An individual life
Zhima
芝麻
- Life status
- Living
- Born
A small dark spot beside Zhima’s nose that resembles a black sesame seed inspired the panda’s name. Zhima and older twin brother Zhishi were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on April 24, 2017. Later, a worldwide vote selected Zhima as the real-life model for Rongbao, the mascot of the Chengdu Universiade. Public materials have long described Zhima as lively and active.
- Sex
- Male
- Studbook number
- 1057
- Current place
- Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion
Timeline
4 recorded events
Born at the Chengdu Panda Base with twin brother Zhishi
Zhima was born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on April 24, 2017, with older twin brother Zhishi. Their mother is Zhizhi.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Became the real-life model for Chengdu Universiade mascot Rongbao
Rongbao, the mascot of the Chengdu Universiade, was formally unveiled on December 30, 2019, with Zhima serving as the real-life giant panda model for the design.
Chengdu
Moved from Panda Valley to the Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion with Zhishi
Zhima ended the stay at Panda Valley on August 11, 2025, and moved with Zhishi to the Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion in Harbin.
Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion
Made a public debut in Harbin when the pavilion opened
Zhima and Zhishi began formally meeting the public in Harbin when the Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion opened on August 23, 2025.
Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion
Relationships
Mother
Places
Current place
Sun Island Giant Panda Pavilion
Read more about its time in different places in the Timeline.
Sources
These are sources related to this panda. Sources for individual events appear in the timeline; one source does not establish every detail.
- sc.people.com.cnhttps://sc.people.com.cn/n2/2023/0728/c345167-40510798.html
Event source
- wlt.hlj.gov.cnhttps://wlt.hlj.gov.cn/wlt/c114172/202508/c00_31868342.shtml
Event source