On July 26th, Yunnan Wildlife Park celebrated the 10th birthday of the giant panda Mao Zhu. Although Mao Zhu was born in Sichuan, he has lived in Yunnan Wildlife Park for eight years, making him a true “Yunnan Panda.”
Early on the morning of July 26th, fresh giant panda food was transported to the park, and the caretakers busied themselves preparing a special birthday party for Mao Zhu. The usual favorites—bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and bamboo stalks—were essential. To celebrate Mao Zhu’s 10th birthday, the caretakers used various fruits to spell out “Happy 10th Birthday” and created a unique fruit cake using bamboo leaves, watermelon, pineapple, and apple chunks. They also crafted panda-specific “candied fruit skewers” using straw and assorted fruits. These carefully prepared surprises were placed along Mao Zhu’s usual play path, hoping he would discover them himself.
At 10:30 am, to the anticipation of the crowd, Mao Zhu gracefully walked from his room to his playground. Fans on-site held their breath, afraid to disturb the birthday star. Mao Zhu calmly surveyed his area and, following his routine, began searching for the apple snacks prepared by his caretakers. Suddenly, a special “little surprise” caught his eye. Despite his curiosity, he maintained the composure of an adult bear, leisurely making his way to the birthday cake and starting his exploration. He licked, touched, and pawed at it, clearly pleased with the surprise. Seeing this, the staff and fans smiled in satisfaction and sang a birthday song for him.
At the birthday event, Yunnan Wildlife Park prepared a series of rich experiences for the attending fans. They showcased the giant panda’s daily diet: bamboo, bamboo leaves, steamed cornbread, and nutritional supplements. Science educators provided detailed knowledge about giant pandas through their food and feces. Additionally, fans who signed up for the birthday party joined Mao Zhu in “skewer feasting,” enjoying the same snacks and tasting unique candied fruit ice cream. Visitors to the birthday party could also receive a commemorative badge for Mao Zhu and Zhen Duo’s 10th birthday by participating in on-site activities.
According to the staff, fans who couldn’t attend Mao Zhu’s birthday celebration on July 26th could join the birthday party for another panda, Zhen Duo, on August 4th. Panda enthusiasts, come to Yunnan Wildlife Park and witness this joyous moment!
