Beijing, China – May 2026 – The Beijing Zoo today officially announced the birth of a healthy newborn giant panda cub to parents Yaya and Fu Xing. In a landmark moment for global wildlife conservation, the cub is an albino — the first albino giant panda ever born in a zoo and only the second ever recorded worldwide.
The full announcement from the Beijing Zoo on their official X (@BeijingZooCn) reads:
“We are thrilled to announce that our giant pandas Yaya and Fu Xing welcomed a healthy newborn cub a few days ago! This extraordinary baby is albino — the first albino giant panda ever born in a zoo, and only the second ever recorded worldwide! We have named our precious all-white cub Snow (known as 白熊猫 — White Panda), with its striking pink eyes. Our team is providing round-the-clock care. More photos and updates coming soon!
The cub, named Snow (白熊猫), was born with pure white fur and distinctive pink eyes, characteristics resulting from a rare genetic condition affecting melanin production. This milestone birth has generated worldwide excitement and offers scientists a unique opportunity to study albinism in giant pandas under professional care.
Proud Parents: Yaya and Fu Xing
Yaya (娅娅), the mother, was born on August 3, 2000, at Beijing Zoo. She spent nearly 20 years on international loan at the Memphis Zoo in the United States before returning to Beijing around 2023. Now in her mid-20s, Yaya has fully recovered and thrived in her home environment, demonstrating strong maternal instincts with this newborn.
Fu Xing (福星), the father, was born on June 25, 2017, at Beijing Zoo. Known for his energetic and playful personality, the younger male has contributed to the zoo’s ongoing efforts to maintain genetic diversity through carefully managed breeding pairs.
Beijing Zoo: A Pioneer in Panda Conservation
Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, Beijing Zoo is China’s oldest zoo and a global leader in giant panda breeding and research. The zoo achieved China’s first successful captive giant panda birth in 1963 and has since built one of the country’s most successful breeding programs. Its modern Panda Hall provides naturalistic habitats for its current population of around 11 giant pandas.
The zoo’s dedicated team of veterinarians and keepers is now providing Snow with intensive, round-the-clock care, including specialized nutrition, temperature-controlled housing, and regular health assessments. Both Yaya and Fu Xing are actively involved in parenting, giving the cub the best possible start in life.
An Extremely Rare Event
Albinism in giant pandas is exceptionally rare. Prior to Snow, only one albino giant panda had ever been documented — a wild individual first photographed in 2019 in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Snow is therefore the first albino giant panda born in captivity anywhere in the world, making this event a historic first for zoos and a significant scientific achievement.
Looking Ahead
The Beijing Zoo will release additional photographs and video updates of Snow in the coming days and weeks as the cub grows and develops. Panda enthusiasts and the international community are invited to follow official channels for the latest news on this precious all-white cub.
This extraordinary birth reinforces Beijing Zoo’s commitment to giant panda conservation, scientific research, and international collaboration, while inspiring hope for the continued protection of this iconic species.
About Beijing Zoo
Established in 1906, Beijing Zoo is one of China’s premier zoological institutions and a flagship center for wildlife conservation, education, and research. Through its innovative breeding programs and habitat initiatives, the zoo plays a vital role in global efforts to preserve biodiversity.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact the Beijing Zoo onX @BeijingZooCN