Phase 1 of the program to reintroduce captive born giant pandas into the wild began in July 2003. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) formed a team to begin research on the wild training of captive pandas from the fields of ecology, behavior, veterinary needs, feeding management and researched the captive individuals’ adaptability in the wild.

Comparative studies on a pair of twins born in 2001, Xiang Xiang and Fu Fu, determined Xiang Xiang would be the first panda to enter the reintroduction program.  He entered the wild training enclosure on July 8, 2003.  Xiang Xiang went through almost 3 years of training in increaslingly larger semi-wild enclosures.

On April 29, 2006, Xiang Xiang was formally reintroduced into the wild. Location tracking and monitoring were implemented and related research was conducted.

Xiang Xiang was successful for almost a year: he built a den, was foraging for food and making progress.

Unfortunately, Xiang Xiang was found dead on February 19, 2007.

Xiang Xiang was thought to have been badly beaten by another panda for territory, food or a mate.