On March 11, Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou celebrated a joyous occasion as “Mei Zhu,” the first offspring of the world’s only giant panda triplets, officially moved into her new home.
The park held a traditional Cantonese housewarming ceremony, featuring an intangible cultural heritage lion dance performance and a congratulatory gathering of animal friends, attracting many families from the Greater Bay Area. Visitors enthusiastically sent their best wishes to Mei Zhu on this special day.
In Guangdong, housewarming ceremonies are an important tradition, symbolizing the beginning of a new life. As a Cantonese-born “princess,” Mei Zhu’s relocation was a grand event in the region. The park organized traditional cultural activities for visitors to enjoy. The lion dance performance, including rituals like “dotting the eyes,” “plucking the greens,” and “blessing the crowd,” created an electrifying atmosphere. One of the highlights was the baby lion dancers, dressed in mini lion costumes with furry “lion paw” shoes, joyfully interacting with the larger lions, leaving visitors in awe.
As Mei Zhu approaches her nine-month milestone, she made her first public appearance in her new home, creating waves of excitement among the crowd. The lively panda curiously inspected the key to her new home. But as soon as she spotted the lavish “housewarming feast” prepared for her, she dashed over to enjoy the delicious spread, delighting visitors with her adorable expressions.
According to Chimelong’s enrichment expert, the “housewarming feast” is an essential part of Guangdong’s new home traditions, believed to bring good luck and prosperity. “We specially crafted a Cantonese-style housewarming drink using carrots, bamboo shoots, and fruit pieces to wish Mei Zhu happiness and growth in her new home.”
The festive spirit extended beyond Mei Zhu’s enclosure, as her fellow animal friends joined in the celebration. Her “nanny” caretakers represented a variety of animal companions, including sloth “Huahua,” chimpanzee “Duoduo,” orangutan “Sigua,” hornbill “Miguo,” and black-and-white ruffed lemur “Rourou,” all bringing gifts and blessings for Mei Zhu’s big move. Together, they gathered around to share the same “housewarming feast,” creating heartwarming moments that visitors eagerly captured in photos.
Caretakers revealed that Mei Zhu has been breaking records within the Chimelong panda family with her increasing agility. Whether it’s climbing trees, playing hide-and-seek with her mother, practicing “frog-style” swimming in water puddles, splashing water all over her “grandpa,” or showcasing her escape artist skills, this mischievous yet beloved panda cub has charmed everyone, earning her the nickname “Little Princess of Chimelong.”
To celebrate her new home, the popular “Mei Zhu” themed panda meals will make a comeback at the Panda Restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food and share a joyful family moment with the beloved national treasure.