Mei Zhu (妹猪), a female giant panda born on June 18, 2024, at Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, has quickly captured the hearts of visitors and panda fans alike. With a name that symbolizes affection and tenderness, Mei Zhu’s early life has been filled with milestones, growth, and public attention. Born to mother Meng Meng and father Jia He, Mei Zhu is part of a new generation of pandas that represents hope for the species and an exciting chapter in panda conservation.
Basic Information
- Name: Mei Zhu (妹猪)
- Date of Birth: June 18, 2024 (early morning)
- Gender: Female
- Place of Birth: Chimelong Safari Park, Guangzhou
- Mother: Meng Meng (萌萌)
- Father: Jia He (家和)
Intriguing Details of Panda Mei Zhu
Meaning of the Name: The name “Mei Zhu” is a term of endearment in Cantonese, commonly used to refer to young girls in the family, similar to the Mandarin term “小妹” (little sister) or “丫头” (little girl).
Escape Expert: Mei Zhu has been an escape expert since she was little, often climbing out through the snack-feeding window to explore the world. At first, she was so small that she had to step on her mom to reach the window ledge, but as she grew, escaping became much easier. However, when she was 8 months old, she finally got stuck in the window due to her larger size and needed the keepers’ help to get out.
Little Temper: Unlike some panda cubs that are very affectionate, Mei Zhu has a bit of a temper. She doesn’t hesitate to bite keepers who touch her body or toys. According to the keepers, once she sinks her teeth in, she even shakes her head to tear at things, showing a wild streak.
Life Experience of Panda Mei Zhu
IP Image: Mei Zhu has become a beloved figure at Chimelong Safari Park, attracting significant attention from both visitors and the media. On September 13, 2024, the park hosted a special event to unveil Mei Zhu’s official IP (intellectual property) image, which marked a major step in introducing her as an ambassador for panda conservation. The event attracted numerous families and panda fans, who eagerly gathered to celebrate her debut in the public eye.
100-Day Ceremony: On September 26, 2024, Mei Zhu celebrated her 100-day milestone with a special ceremony at Chimelong Safari Park. During the celebration, the park’s conservation team performed a health checkup, revealing that Mei Zhu weighed 5.65 kilograms and had already grown 13 milk teeth, a sign of her healthy development.
Healthy Growth: Thanks to the dedicated care of her keepers, Mei Zhu has been thriving. From her early days as a pink and tiny “little mouse,” she has blossomed into a fluffy, round bundle of joy, with her fur gradually turning a soothing, soft color. As of December 18, 2024, Mei Zhu’s weight had increased dramatically from 178 grams at birth to 10.88 kilograms.
New Year Feast: On January 21st, 2025 in Guangzhou, Guangdong, giant panda cub Mei Zhu snuggled up next to her mother, Meng Meng. On this day, the keepers at Chimelong Safari Park prepared a “New Year feast” for the mother-daughter duo, using carrots and bamboo.