Beijing Zoo’s Panda Exhibit Reopens with Enhanced Enrichment Facilities

From October 28 to November 1, the Beijing Zoo’s giant panda exhibit was closed for five days to upgrade the enrichment facilities in their outdoor areas. As of November 2, the panda exhibit officially reopens, showcasing new toys and enhancements designed to improve the pandas’ quality of life and stimulate their natural behaviors.

The giant panda house at Beijing Zoo is one of the most popular attractions, drawing visitors from all over the country. Currently, the zoo houses 11 giant pandas, with 9 on public display. To enhance the welfare of these magnificent animals and address safety concerns, the zoo has implemented annual environmental enrichment changes since 2020, aiming to replicate a dynamic and varied natural habitat for the pandas.

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During a recent visit, it was evident that the exhibit now features a range of new additions, including a wooden slide, a woven bed made from fire hose, a tire and branch climbing structure, and interactive wooden posts. “Slides haven’t been part of the enclosure in recent years, but this time we have added them to all eight outdoor areas. The pandas are very clever and are already exploring how to use the new facilities. Some of them climb up from below instead of sliding down from above,” said Lu Yanping, the head of the panda care team at Beijing Zoo.

Onlookers were treated to the sight of the panda “Meng Er” curiously inspecting the new slide before leaning against it and enjoying a delicious carrot. The previous circular wooden platforms were replaced with larger, more elastic woven beds, significantly enhancing the comfort level for the pandas during rest periods. In the afternoon, the panda “Fuxing” also explored the outdoor area and appeared to relish the new woven bed, spending considerable time playing on it before indulging in some bamboo shoots on a hammock.

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Lu explained that the specifications and connections of the enrichment equipment are tailored to the individual needs and behaviors of each panda. For instance, “Meng Lan,” known for being active and playful, has higher perches to cater to her energetic personality. Additionally, all climbing structures have been enlarged to allow for more comfortable play and movement.

The playful scenes of pandas climbing and sliding have long delighted visitors, and the new tire and branch climbing structures have made this even more engaging. Pandas can now navigate the tiered tire setup to reach branches, while interactive wooden posts swing gently, encouraging more interaction during their playtime. The various facilities now include connecting structures, allowing pandas to traverse between them, adding to their enrichment and enjoyment.

The recent enhancements are not only designed for the nine pandas on display; adjustments have also been made for “Ya Ya” and “Gu Gu,” the two older pandas currently in the behind-the-scenes resting area. To encourage movement among the senior pandas, the zoo has installed small slides and additional interactive wooden posts in their space.

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This renovation considers multiple factors, including the effectiveness and safety of the enrichment facilities, maximizing the use of space so that visitors can observe the pandas from various angles while witnessing their diverse behaviors. “Enrichment is a dynamic process. We will regularly adjust the enrichment facilities and monitor the outcomes of these improvements. Relevant departments will also conduct follow-up assessments and make timely adjustments as needed,” Lu added (Why Do Captive Giant Pandas Need Enrichment?).

Overall, these efforts reflect the zoo’s commitment to providing an enriching environment for the pandas, encouraging natural behaviors and promoting their well-being. The enhancements are expected to not only delight the pandas but also provide zoo visitors with an engaging and educational experience, allowing them to witness the playful antics and behaviors of these beloved animals in a more stimulating environment. As the panda house reopens, both staff and visitors are eager to see how the pandas will adapt to and enjoy their newly upgraded playground.