Ying Hua, or “Mother Bear” as I have named her, was born on April 17th, 2003 and is the daughter of Ying Ying. She holds a special place in most of the employees hearts given that she is such a gentle and quiet mother. Her devotion to her cub(s) shows her experience. She was the first mother at the base to give birth. Her cub was born on June 20th and weighed in at a whopping 90 grams. She is currently taking care of 3 cubs- Her own, Qian Qian #2, and one of Xi Nier’s. Xi Nier and her other cub are in reintroduction training. The keepers typically swap out the cubs every 10 days. Ying Hua’s keeper is a perfect match for her and her cubs. I don’t know his name, but he is friendly, soft spoken, and experienced.

https://youtu.be/Om6nygoLYSo

All people usually assign themselves a favorite bear or even adopt one. I find that I am firmly in the Ying Hua circle. In all of the time that I have spent at the breeding center, I have never seen or heard her complain. Ying Hua is quite a special bear. UPDATE- As of today, Oct. 26th, 2015, Ying Hua is now taking care of two cubs simultaneously (Ying Hua & Xi Nier). The rumor is that the keeper will add a third cub- Qian Qian #2 in a few days. Our professional mother bear is living up to the nickname I provided for her.

Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoy the video and photos (all photos are of Ying Hua’s cub. Given the sensitivity of adding in additional cubs, we elected to stay out of the room).

Such a good lookin’ girl

Slipping in a little bamboo time

Not quite there yet

Still trying what mom likes

Playing or attempting to eat?

Almost time to get out and explore

Play time