PapaPanda, a giant panda, forges an unconventional family with Mimiko, a parentless girl residing in a bamboo grove. After fleeing a zoo alongside his son, Panny, he crosses paths with Mimiko when she discovers Panny at her home. He offers to become her father figure, creating a unique household where Mimiko nurtures Panny as a maternal figure—a bond born from mutual need, with Mimiko seeking kinship and PapaPanda yearning for freedom beyond captivity.

Despite his imposing stature, PapaPanda radiates gentleness, prioritizing the safety of his newfound family. When a floodgate’s rusted mechanism threatens to engulf Mimiko and Panny in rushing waters, he forcefully shuts it, shielding them from harm. Later, during a storm, he halts a runaway circus train moments before it collides with a mayor’s residence, reinforcing his role as their steadfast guardian.

By day, PapaPanda fulfills duties as a zoo attraction, returning nightly to Mimiko’s home—a balance between obligation and devotion. His protective instincts later expand to include Tiny, a lost circus tiger cub, whom he guides back to its mother. When floods trap circus animals, he teams with Mimiko and Panny to orchestrate their rescue, showcasing resourcefulness and calm leadership amid chaos.

Visually and thematically, PapaPanda echoes Studio Ghibli’s iconic figures like Totoro, with a rounded, comforting silhouette and a quietly magical presence. His interactions with zookeepers and authorities evolve from cautious encounters to mutual respect, bridging human-animal divides. While his origins remain rooted in zoo life, his narrative centers on familial growth and quiet heroism, eschewing elaborate backstory for heartfelt connections and decisive action.