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 Attempts: From a young age, Meng Lan had a penchant for escaping. He would try to climb over boxes, step on his younger brother, and even help his friends escape. After dismantling the security cameras, he successfully climbed over a two-meter-high fence at Beijing Zoo by stepping on a red ball. Since then, the fence has been reinforced to prevent future escapes.
Impatient for Food: Meng Lan would often urge his keepers to feed him by knocking on the door with his bowl or using other creative methods to signal that he was hungry and ready for a tasty treat.
Love for Birdwatching: While eating bamboo shoots by a tree stump, sparrows would come incredibly close to him, pecking at the leftover bamboo scraps. Many magpies also flew in, enjoying the free buffet. Meng Lan’s enclosure became a haven for these birds, with the birds becoming chubby “free-range chickens” from all the extra meals.
Practicing the Split: Meng Lan frequently climbed to the highest point of a leafless tree branch in his play area. Stretching his front and back legs, he would perform the strongest panda split, looking vibrant and focused, gazing into the distance.
Man-Panda Conversations: Meng Lan often engaged in playful back-and-forth exchanges with his keeper, resembling a miniature human in the way he communicated. Their interaction became so legendary it could be considered “god-like” in terms of panda-human communication.
Life and Journey of Panda Meng Lan
Early Life and Infancy (2015)
Birth and Early Days: Meng Lan was born on July 4, 2015, at 10:13 PM at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China. Weighing just 179.8 grams at birth, he immediately attracted attention due to his unique position as the only cub born that year and his star-studded parentage – his father, Mei Lan, was a panda returnee from Atlanta, USA, and his mother, Meng Meng, was famously known as the “Movie Queen of Beijing Zoo.”
Unique Behaviors: Even as a cub, Meng Lan displayed distinctive behaviors that made him a viral sensation. He had a rare habit of sleeping on his back, a pose not commonly seen among pandas. Additionally, he enjoyed playfully dominating his younger brothers, Qing Da (庆大) and Qing Xiao (庆小), earning him the playful nickname “Little Bully of the Moon.”
Name and Nicknames: Meng Lan’s name was chosen through a global fan contest, symbolizing cuteness and vitality. He also has a nickname, “Meme’er,” derived from the Sichuan dialect’s pronunciation of “Meng Meng Zai,” reflecting the affection his caretakers had for him.
Growth and Health Challenges (2016-2017)
Weaning and Relocation: In late 2016 to early 2017, Meng Lan faced significant changes, including weaning and moving three times in less than a month. Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic, maintaining his cheerful demeanor, healthy appetite, and stable weight.
Health Scare: In early 2017, fans noticed redness and swelling on Meng Lan’s chin. Concerned supporters raised the issue through various channels. On May 23, 2017, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding confirmed that Meng Lan had been diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis. He received prompt medical treatment.
Second Birthday Celebration: On July 4, 2017, Meng Lan celebrated his second birthday at Villa No. 2 at the Chengdu Base. He shared a specially made ice cake from the panda kitchen with his friends, while fans expressed their heartfelt wishes both in person and online.
Relocation to Beijing and Public Debut (2017)
Announcement and Preparation: On July 21, 2017, Beijing Zoo announced plans to relocate Meng Lan and his cousin, Dian Dian, to Beijing during the cooler months of September and October.
Journey to Beijing: On September 21, 2017, Meng Lan and Dian Dian (点点) flew back to Beijing and underwent quarantine upon arrival.
Public Debut: After completing the quarantine period, Meng Lan and Dian Dian made their official public appearance at Beijing Zoo on October 16, 2017, delighting visitors with their presence.
Fame and “Escape” Incident (2021-Present)
Notable Escape: On December 15, 2021, Meng Lan successfully “escaped” from his enclosure at the Olympic Hall in Beijing Zoo, entering the buffer zone of the caretakers’ area. The incident drew significant attention. Caretakers managed to lure him back with food, and subsequent modifications were made to the enclosure to prevent future escapes.
Popularity and Social Media Stardom: Meng Lan’s intelligence and playful nature, coupled with his numerous escapades such as bird-watching and stealing keys, have garnered him a massive following. He is fondly referred to as the “Third Prince of Xizhimen” and “Meimei.” His high IQ and climbing skills are frequently showcased on short video platforms, solidifying his status as a panda celebrity.
Eighth Birthday Celebration: On July 4, 2023, Meng Lan celebrated his eighth birthday. The staff at Beijing Zoo prepared a special birthday cake and decorated a beautiful birthday venue in his honor.
Recent Health Check: On October 25, 2023, caretakers noticed traces of blood on Meng Lan’s perch. Upon examination, it was determined that he had a minor cut on the second digit of his left front paw, likely caused by a bamboo stick. Veterinarians treated and disinfected the wound, and Meng Lan continued to eat and walk normally.