Photo: Screenshot from Sichuan Daily

Mistaken for a black bear? A closer look turns it's actually a giant panda. This scene unfolded at the Wolong Shenshuping panda base under the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, featuring the panda cub "Su Jin Zai," who has been affectionately nicknamed the "little coal ball" by netizens due to its muddy fur.

The pitch-black fur is not the panda's natural color. After several snowfalls at the Wolong Shenshuping base this year, melting snow dampened the ground of the outdoor enclosure, and the cub, which loves rolling around, tumbled repeatedly on the wet ground, caking its fur with mud and giving it a temporary "limited-edition" dark coat, local Sichuan Daily reported.

This little panda has captured the hearts of netizens with its sooty fur, earning the endearing nickname "little coal ball." Related videos have gone viral across Chinese social media, bringing joy to countless viewers. 

Some netizens joked, "'Su Jin Zai' is banned from cosplaying as a black bear." Others humorously asked, "Did our little panda go mining?

Many netizens suggested giving the cub a bath. In response, keepers at the base said that they have already showered the cub.

The center said that a giant panda's skin has a layer of natural oils, which forms an important protective barrier. This layer not only provides insulation against cold and dampness but also acts as a thermal shield, helping them adapt to the damp and chilly natural environment, allowing them to rest and sleep comfortably even on snow.

The center said that bathing pandas with water would damage this oily layer, stripping them of their natural defense, weakening their immunity, and making them vulnerable to colds, skin diseases, and other health issues.

"Su Jin Zai" is a male giant panda born on June 28, 2025, to mother panda Su Jin, Sichuan Daily reported. Because his mother's first labor lasted about 38 hours, keepers gave him the nickname "Half-day-plus." The lively cub is naturally active and particularly fond of rolling around on the ground, according to the report.


Global Times