Ellen DeGeneres Jokes About Wanting To Hold Panda Cubs, References Kate Hudson
The comedian quips about a beloved talk show moment on Instagram

Image: Instagram
Ellen DeGeneres has taken to Instagram with a humorous post expressing her desire to hold a baby panda, while playfully referencing fellow celebrity Kate Hudson in the process. The comedian and former talk show host took to Instagram to revisit a viral gem from a 2016 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where actress Kate Hudson shared a hilariously heartfelt story about holding a baby panda in China.
“Still waiting to hear from the Chinese government on holding a baby panda. I promise I won’t try to nurse it like @KateHudson,” Ellen joked in the caption, referencing Hudson’s now-iconic confession that cradling the panda triggered such strong maternal instincts, she almost felt like nursing it.
A Throwback To A Viral Ellen Moment
In the 2016 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Kate Hudson recounted her trip to China, where she had the rare opportunity to hold a baby panda. Describing the experience, Hudson confessed that cradling the panda triggered her maternal instincts so strongly that she felt the urge to nurse it. The audience erupted in laughter, and Ellen, ever the comedian, riffed on the story by expressing her own desire to hold a baby panda, jokingly appealing to the Chinese government for permission.
The segment quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for its blend of celebrity candor and Ellen’s quick wit. The visual of Hudson tenderly holding the panda, coupled with her honest and hilarious commentary, made the moment instantly shareable.
Ellen’s humorous quip about waiting for permission from the Chinese government highlights the exclusivity of such an opportunity, turning it into comedy gold for her millions of followers.
Hudson, known for her candid discussions about motherhood, has been open about her parenting journey with her three children. The actress has previously shared insights about her maternal experiences on social media and in interviews, making her an easy reference point for Ellen’s joke. Kate Hudson has expanded her career beyond acting, launching successful ventures in wellness and fashion, including her activewear brand Fabletics. She’s also remained a fixture in Hollywood, recently starring in the Knives Out sequel and working on new music projects.
Ellen DeGeneres, meanwhile, wrapped up her long-running daytime talk show in 2022, capping off a storied television career. She has since focused on her digital presence, continuing to engage fans with her signature humor and philanthropic efforts. Ellen’s Instagram remains a hub for throwbacks, comedic sketches, and updates on her latest projects.
Ellen’s Social Media Presence
This post is characteristic of Ellen’s social media presence, where she frequently shares humorous observations and light-hearted content. The comedian has maintained an active online presence following the conclusion of her long-running talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which ended in 2022 after 19 seasons.
Recently, Ellen has been keeping her 136 million Instagram followers entertained with a variety of content. Just days before the panda post, she shared a clip of actress Cameron Diaz attempting to catch a bouquet at what appears to be a wedding, captioning it, “@CameronDiaz sees a bouquet fly and it’s game time. Shoes off. Elbows up.”
New Ventures
Ellen has also been promoting her newest venture, The Ellen Channel. In a recent post, she announced, “The Ellen Channel is LIVE and you can watch it almost anywhere channels are streamed, like Roku, Amazon, Plex, TCL, LG, Scripps, and Anoki!” The channel kicked off with “HILARIOUS KIDS WEEK,” celebrating memorable young guests from her talk show, including viral sensations Sophia Grace and Rosie.
Her personal life also features prominently in her social media content. In another recent post, she shared a photo of a rainbow, writing, “3 things that make me happy: My Wife, A Rainbow, And my wife taking a photograph of a Rainbow,” referencing her relationship with actress Portia de Rossi, whom she married in 2008.
The Legacy Continues
Since ending her talk show, Ellen has focused on various projects, including her skincare line Kind Science. Throughout her career spanning over four decades, Ellen has been known for her comedic talent and groundbreaking achievements. After coming out as gay in 1997, both in real life and through her character on the sitcom “Ellen,” she became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her talk show, which ran from 2003 to 2022, won numerous Emmy Awards and featured interviews with celebrities, political figures, and viral sensations.
While the panda post is simply a humorous moment in Ellen’s social media feed, it demonstrates how the comedian continues to engage her audience with her distinctive brand of humor, even after stepping back from daily television appearances.

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