Historic Female Cub Named 那个(NeGa)
BEIJING, June 18, 2026 — The Beijing Zoo announced Thursday the birth of what it says is the world’s first fully all-black giant panda ever documented, marking a potentially historic development in panda genetics and conservation research.
The female cub, named 那个(NeGa), was born on June 18th, 2026, to a resident giant panda named Ying Ying at the zoo’s breeding center. After nearly a day of health monitoring and veterinary observation, zoo officials released the news through the institution’s official X account on June 18.
The announcement first appeared on the zoo’s verified account, @beijingzoocn, accompanied by photographs of the cub.
“We are thrilled to announce the birth of the world’s first all-black giant panda! Born on June 18th, our precious female cub 那个(NeGa)has a beautiful jet-black coat with no white patches at all. She is healthy, strong, and being lovingly cared for by her mother Ying Ying. This is a historic moment for panda conservation,” the zoo said in its post.
A Unique Genetic Occurrence
Giant pandas have been studied for more than 150 years since their scientific discovery in 1869. The species, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, is known worldwide for its distinctive black-and-white coloration.
All previously documented giant pandas, whether in the wild or in captivity, have displayed the species’ characteristic markings, including black ears, eye patches, shoulders and legs contrasted against white fur on the face and torso.
According to the zoo, no fully melanistic, or all-black, giant panda has ever been recorded. Decades of captive breeding programs, field research and camera-trap studies conducted across China’s Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces have not produced a documented case of a panda exhibiting entirely black pigmentation.
Rare color variations have been observed in the past, including brown-and-white Qinling pandas such as Qi Zai and the occasional appearance of albino giant pandas. However, a panda displaying complete black coloration across its entire body has not previously been reported.
Zoo veterinarians and geneticists said preliminary DNA analysis suggests Nega’s appearance may be linked to a previously undocumented recessive genetic mutation that causes uniform black pigmentation. Officials said the coloration appears to be a naturally occurring genetic variation rather than the result of environmental factors.
Health and Development
At birth, Nega weighed 142 grams. Zoo officials said the cub now weighs approximately 1.8 kilograms and continues to develop normally under 24-hour veterinary supervision.
Ying Ying, a 9-year-old giant panda described by the zoo as an experienced mother, is providing care for the cub in a specially designed maternity enclosure.
“This discovery could provide valuable new insights into panda genetics and coloration evolution,” said Dr. Li Wei, director of the Beijing Zoo Panda Breeding Program. “Nega represents a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that enriches our understanding of this beloved species.”
Public Viewing Planned
The Beijing Zoo said the public will be able to observe Nega through the zoo’s live panda camera beginning in July 2026. Limited in-person viewing opportunities are expected to begin in August through a reservation system.
Zoo officials said the name 那个(NeGa)) symbolizes “grace and new beginnings.”
The institution also thanked its panda care staff and conservation partners for their support in caring for the cub and advancing giant panda research.
About Beijing Zoo
Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, Beijing Zoo is China’s oldest zoo and one of the country’s most recognized zoological institutions. Located in Beijing’s Xicheng District, the zoo covers approximately 86 hectares and maintains extensive collections of native Chinese wildlife, including giant pandas, red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, South China tigers and Père David’s deer.
The zoo first exhibited a giant panda in 1955 and recorded China’s first successful captive giant panda birth in 1963. It currently operates one of the nation’s leading panda breeding programs and houses approximately 11 giant pandas.
The institution works closely with the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda and has contributed to giant panda conservation, breeding, and scientific research for decades.
Media Contact
Beijing Zoo Public Relations Department
Email: press@beijingzoo.cn
