Since her birth on June 18, 2024, the giant panda Mei Zhu has received overwhelming affection. As the only daughter of Meng Meng—the eldest of the world’s only surviving panda triplets—every one of Mei Zhu’s milestones, from her first sip of milk to climbing a tree or crawling through a window, has been in the spotlight.
Among Mei Zhu’s “nannies,” one keeper has stood out: Chen Liangjin, affectionately dubbed “Grandpa Daliang” by netizens. His heartwarming interactions with Mei Zhu have earned a huge fanbase online. Viral moments such as “How much does Mei Zhu love Grandpa Daliang?”, “Afternoon bliss: Mei Zhu and Grandpa Daliang”, and “So cute! Grandpa Daliang teaching Mei Zhu to climb a tree!” have made their bond tangible to the public.
This year marks Chen Liangjin’s 16th year as a giant panda keeper. Having raised the famous triplets Meng, Shuai, and Ku, and now caring for the second generation of “Mengs,” he’s developed the ability to interpret a panda’s emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and delight—through their sounds, movements, and facial expressions. His journey from studying property management to becoming a livestock and veterinary expert is a story of continuous learning, growth, and deep love for animals.
From “Panda Dad” to “Grandpa”: A Role of Honor and Responsibility
Recently, nearly 9-month-old Mei Zhu celebrated the renovation of her upgraded enclosure. In Guangdong, it’s customary to hold a “moving-in” ceremony to mark new beginnings. As a true “Cantonese girl,” Mei Zhu’s new home came with all the traditional rituals. Chimelong Safari Park invited a lion dance team to perform rituals such as dotting the eyes, plucking the greens, and blessing the space, attracting many panda fans who came to offer their well-wishes.
Many fans quickly recognized Grandpa Daliang in the crowd and eagerly asked for photos with him. Chen Liangjin smiled and said he happily accepts the nickname. After all, Meng Meng—Mei Zhu’s mother—was hand-raised by him: “Meng Meng is like a daughter to me, so of course Mei Zhu is like my granddaughter!” He added that the panda care team affectionately call one another “panda dads and moms,” like one big happy family.
Chen joined Chimelong in 2009 as an animal keeper, starting with koalas. During the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, tourism surged, and he was assigned a new task—caring for the national treasure: the giant panda. Since then, he has spent 15 years in the panda section.
Looking back, Chen says raising pandas is not like keeping pets. “This is a job of integrity,” he said, stressing the importance of love, responsibility, and scientific education. He gave an example: pandas must be fed with a balanced diet in small, frequent meals. Each panda has a personalized nutritional plan to ensure optimal health. “Even missing small amounts of food daily can lead to long-term problems. That’s why we must remain vigilant and dedicated,” he said.
As Mei Zhu grows in popularity, Chen feels both honored and responsible. Being constantly observed by tourists and livestream audiences adds pressure—but also motivation. He believes this pushes the keeper team to do even better.
From Property Manager to Animal Keeper: A Journey Fueled by Love
Before working at the zoo, Chen studied property management. In 2009, after joining Chimelong and interacting more with animals, he realized the importance of professional knowledge and pursued a three-year degree in animal husbandry and veterinary science. Through study and practice, his skills grew.
This dedication stems from a deep-rooted love of animals. Growing up in the countryside, Chen was constantly surrounded by poultry and pets. A dog he cared for throughout childhood became a lifelong emotional anchor.
He jokes that he now spends at least 10 hours a day with animals—more time than with his family. This close connection has formed an unbreakable bond with both Meng Meng and Mei Zhu.
Observers often note how much Mei Zhu adores Grandpa Daliang—rushing to hug his leg when he appears, swinging together in the afternoons, and rarely wanting to leave his side. When startled by sudden noises, she finds comfort in his calm voice gently saying, “Don’t be afraid.” Over time, their connection has only deepened.
Through careful observation, Chen can now interpret the meaning behind panda vocalizations. When talking to Mei Zhu, he uses both Mandarin and Cantonese. “She understands quite a bit,” he said, but added with a smile, “Pandas actually respond more to tone and intonation rather than the actual words.”
From Introvert to Popular Host: Sharing Love for Pandas with the World
“I used to be shy and introverted,” Chen admits. He recalls being flustered during his first interview as a koala keeper, when his mentor unexpectedly asked him to speak on camera.
Today, Chen frequently appears on Mei Zhu’s livestreams, chatting with fans and sharing panda facts—becoming a familiar face in the online panda community. His transformation from introvert to engaging educator is driven by his deep affection for pandas and his desire to help others appreciate them.
Though nervous at first, he found that livestreaming became easier with practice and support from colleagues. Now, many fans recognize him in person at Chimelong’s panda park and warmly greet him.
Asked whether being the beloved “Grandpa Daliang” has affected his life, Chen replied that it’s brought greater responsibility. He hopes to continue caring for Mei Zhu with dedication and, through livestreams and public engagement, help more people learn about panda care.
He also delights in answering curious questions from children. Once, a little girl asked how to tell a male panda from a female. With humor, he replied: “Boys tend to be bigger with bigger eye patches. Girls usually have smaller ones.” His warm and playful approach to panda education has won the hearts of countless visitors.