Ming Panda Merrythought Heritage Collection No 43

Ming Panda

Size : Approx 8in High / 12in Long.

Ming Panda is part of Merrythought's 2025 Heritage Collection- a selection of historic Merrythought characters, each beautifully recreated to celebrate Merrythoughts 95th Anniversary.

Each character in the Heritage Collection carries a unique story. Ming Panda is notably a recreation of the worlds first ever life-like soft toy panda, first made by Merrythought in 1939.

Ming Panda was the first giant panda to set paws on British soil in 1838. Arriving at London Docks as a cub, she went on to give a much-welcomed boost to the nation’s morale following the outbreak of World War 2, and even met the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret during a visit to London Zoo.

In 1939, Merrythought was commissioned by London Zoo to create a life-like (and life-sized!) copy of the famous giant panda to act as a stand-in when she wasn’t in her enclosure – Ming frequently starred in topical films about her species as well as media appearances. Rising to the challenge, Merrythought designed a remarkable, life-sized toy with incredible likeness to the real Ming, described as ‘so natural looking that it is most difficult to distinguish from the live Panda’.

This detailed recreation of Merrythought’s original Ming Panda has been handmade in Merrythought's historic British factory from the same patterns – albeit in a more practical size! – using similar traditional skills and materials. The finest off-white and black mohair plush are combined to create Ming’s distinctive markings, while this unique standing toy’s jointed neck allows her to stand in a variety of poses. Accessorised with a red velvet collar with a sliding buckle.

As with each character in Merrythought’s Heritage Collection, Ming Panda features an authentic replica of our earliest ‘hygienic toys’ label, and has been individually numbered as a Special Edition. Presented in a pure cotton dust bag with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This product is not a toy and is intended for adult collectors only. 

Merrythought has been hand making traditional teddy bears since 1930. A family business famous for crafting the finest, jointed, mohair teddy bears adored by children and adults around the world. Still operating from the original Victorian foundry building in the picturesque world heritage site of Ironbridge, Shropshire.

Merrythought Bears have universal appeal making them an ideal gift and very special collectors pieces.

Each and every bear is handmade in the UK factory giving them a unique character and superior quality which can last a lifetime.