Panda Meng Lan (萌兰/Menglan), born on July 4, 2015, quickly became a star with his mischievous personality and playful antics. Known as the “Third Prince of Xizhimen” and “Meme’er,” he captivated fans with his climbing skills, food-demanding knocks on doors, and his unique bond with the birds in his enclosure. Whether performing impressive panda splits or engaging in charming “conversations” with his keepers, Meng Lan’s intelligence and cheeky nature have made him a viral sensation.
Basic Information
- Name: Meng Lan (萌兰)
- Meaning of the Name: Orchid of the Family Meng
- Nicknames: Third Prince of Xizhimen (西直门三太子), Meme’er (么么儿)
- Gender: Male
- Lineage Number: 954
- Nationality: China
- Date of Birth: July 4, 2015, at 10:13 PM
- Place of Birth: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Birth Weight: 179.8 grams
- Current Residence: Beijing Zoo
- Father: Mei Lan (美兰)
- Mother: Meng Meng (萌萌)
- Siblings: Meng Da (萌大), Meng Xiao (萌小), Meng Bao (萌宝) and Meng Yu (萌玉).
Intriguing Details about Panda Meng Lan
Escape Artist Extraordinaire: From a young age, Meng Lan had a knack for great escapes. He would scale boxes, use his younger brother as a stepping stool, and even team up with friends to plot daring breakouts. His most infamous stunt? Dismantling security cameras before launching himself over a two-meter-high fence at Beijing Zoo – using a red ball as his springboard. His escapades were so impressive that the zoo had to reinforce the barriers to keep this furry Houdini contained.
A Panda with No Patience for Hunger: When it came to mealtime, Meng Lan was never one to wait quietly. If his food didn’t arrive fast enough, he’d take matters into his own paws – knocking on the door with his bowl, rattling objects, or inventing clever new ways to grab his keepers’ attention. His persistence always paid off, ensuring he was never overlooked when it was time for a snack.
Feathered Friends and a Panda Buffet: Meng Lan’s enclosure was a hotspot for birds looking for a free meal. While he munched on bamboo shoots by a tree stump, sparrows fearlessly hopped around him, pecking at leftovers. Magpies swooped in for their share, turning his habitat into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Over time, these freeloading visitors grew plump, resembling “free-range chickens” thanks to Meng Lan’s generosity.
The Panda Acrobat: Meng Lan loved testing his flexibility. He often climbed to the highest, thinnest branches in his play area, stretching his front and back legs into an impressive split. With a focused gaze and an air of determination, he struck a pose that made him look like a true panda gymnast, surveying his kingdom from above.
Conversations with a Keeper: Meng Lan wasn’t just expressive—he practically spoke with his keepers. Their back-and-forth exchanges were so natural and animated that it was as if he understood every word. His playful reactions, head tilts, and enthusiastic responses made their interactions legendary, elevating panda-human communication to an almost “god-like” level.
Life and Journey of Panda Meng Lan
Early Life and Infancy (2015)
A Star is Born: On the night of July 4, 2015, at exactly 10:13 PM, a tiny bundle of fur made his grand entrance at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Weighing just 179.8 grams, Meng Lan was no ordinary cub—he was the only one born that year, instantly making him the center of attention. His lineage was equally impressive; his father, Mei Lan, was a celebrated panda returnee from Atlanta, USA, while his mother, Meng Meng, was famously dubbed the “Movie Queen of Beijing Zoo.” With such star-studded parentage, Meng Lan was destined to be a sensation.
A Cub with Character: Even as a tiny ball of fluff, Meng Lan had a personality that set him apart. Unlike most pandas, he preferred to sleep sprawled out on his back, a pose so rare that it quickly went viral. His playful nature extended to his interactions with his younger brothers, Qing Da (庆大) and Qing Xiao (庆小) – whom he loved to wrestle and pin down, earning him the cheeky nickname “Little Bully of the Moon.”
A Name That Sticks: Meng Lan’s name, symbolizing cuteness and vitality, was chosen through a global fan contest, proving his popularity from the start. But to his caretakers and fans, he was also affectionately known as “Meme’er,” a playful nod to the Sichuan dialect’s pronunciation of “Meng Meng Zai.” Whether as a viral sensation or a mischievous little brother, Meng Lan was already leaving his paw prints on the world.
Trials, Triumphs, and a Sweet Celebration (2016-2017)
A Whirlwind of Change: Between late 2016 and early 2017, Meng Lan faced a series of big transitions – he was weaned from his mother and relocated three times in less than a month. Yet, in true Meng Lan fashion, he embraced every challenge with unwavering optimism. His playful spirit remained intact, his appetite never wavered, and he maintained a steady, healthy weight.
A Health Scare: In early 2017, eagle-eyed fans noticed redness and swelling on Meng Lan’s chin, sparking widespread concern. Dedicated supporters raised the issue through various channels, prompting swift action. On May 23, 2017, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding confirmed that Meng Lan had developed chronic osteomyelitis. Thankfully, with timely medical treatment, the resilient young panda bounced back, proving once again his remarkable strength.
A Joyful Second Birthday: Just weeks after his recovery, Meng Lan rang in his second birthday on July 4, 2017, at Villa No. 2 of the Chengdu Base. The celebration was nothing short of festive – he delighted in a specially crafted ice cake from the panda kitchen, surrounded by his friends. Meanwhile, fans poured in birthday wishes from near and far, celebrating the beloved panda who had already captured so many hearts.
A Grand Arrival in Beijing (2017)
The Big Announcement: On July 21, 2017, Beijing Zoo sent panda fans into a frenzy with an exciting revelation – Meng Lan and his cousin, Dian Dian (点点), were set to relocate to the capital. With plans to bring them in during the cooler autumn months, anticipation quickly built as preparations for their grand arrival got underway.
A Sky-High Adventure: On September 21, 2017, Meng Lan and Dian Dian embarked on their first big journey, flying to Beijing to begin a new chapter of their lives. Upon landing, they entered a mandatory quarantine period, where they adjusted to their new surroundings under the watchful care of their keepers.
Stealing the Spotlight: The wait was finally over on October 16, 2017, when Meng Lan and Dian Dian made their highly anticipated public debut at Beijing Zoo. The moment they stepped out, they instantly captured the hearts of visitors, dazzling the crowd with their playful antics and irresistible charm. From that day on, Meng Lan wasn’t just a panda – he was a Beijing sensation.
The Great Escape and Rising Stardom (2021–Present)
Notable Escape: A Daring Escape: On December 15, 2021, Meng Lan made headlines with a bold “escape” from his enclosure at the Olympic Hall in Beijing Zoo. Using his quick wits and impressive climbing skills, he breached the caretaker buffer zone, leaving staff and onlookers stunned. Fortunately, his love for food proved stronger than his desire for freedom – keepers successfully lured him back with treats. The enclosure was promptly reinforced to prevent future breakouts, but Meng Lan’s daring adventure only added to his legendary reputation.
A Social Media Sensation: With his mischievous antics and undeniable charm, Meng Lan has captivated a massive online audience. His intelligence and curiosity shine through in viral videos showcasing his escapades – whether it’s bird-watching, “stealing” keys, or devising clever tricks. Fans affectionately call him the “Third Prince of Xizhimen,” celebrating his high IQ and climbing prowess. His exploits have turned him into a true panda superstar, with millions eagerly following his every move.
A Grand Eighth Birthday: On July 4, 2023, Beijing Zoo pulled out all the stops to celebrate Meng Lan’s eighth birthday. The staff prepared a beautifully decorated venue, complete with a custom-made panda cake fit for a celebrity. Fans and caretakers alike joined in to mark another milestone in the life of their beloved escape artist.
A Minor Setback: On October 25, 2023, caretakers noticed a trace of blood on Meng Lan’s perch. Upon examination, they discovered a small cut on the second digit of his left front paw – likely from a bamboo stick. The wound was promptly treated and disinfected, and true to his resilient nature, Meng Lan continued to eat, walk, and play as if nothing had happened.
