On June 15, Wenzhou Zoo welcomed two heavyweight “stars” — the giant pandas Baodi and Baomei — as they officially met the public for the first time.
After a week of adjustment, these “black-and-white dumplings” from Sichuan have basically adapted to their new life in Wenzhou.
This marks the first time in nearly five years that Wenzhou Zoo has hosted giant pandas again. The twin pandas, Baodi and Baomei, from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, arrived in Wenzhou on the evening of June 7. This collaboration, approved by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, marks a five-year popular science exchange project between the China Conservation and Research Center and Wenzhou Zoo.
A reporter visited the panda pavilion and spoke with zoo staff to learn about the preparation work before the pandas’ debut and their living conditions in Wenzhou.
A Carefully Planned Panda Pavilion
Wenzhou has a long history with giant pandas. The zoo began its connection with them in 2002 through cooperation with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the China Conservation and Research Center. From March 2010, pandas Yaguang and Jiyou lived at Wenzhou Zoo for ten years and became well-loved by locals. In 2020, the previous agreement ended, and the panda facility required renovations to meet updated exhibition standards. The two pandas departed Wenzhou as a result.
Now, after nearly five years, the newly upgraded panda pavilion has passed national inspection and welcomed its new residents, Baodi and Baomei, continuing Wenzhou’s special bond with giant pandas.
On the day of the visit, the temperature in Wenzhou was around 30°C with high humidity. However, the moment the reporter stepped into the pavilion, it felt cool and refreshing. Zoo staff explained that to mimic the pandas’ natural environment, the indoor rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a fresh-air system, keeping temperature and humidity at optimal levels.
The reporter first saw Baodi’s indoor enclosure, which includes wooden platforms, a misting system, a water feature, a bark-covered floor, and a large wooden lounge chair. Baomei’s enclosure, located upstairs, features two levels of wooden platforms, wall murals of green plants, and enrichment toys like a large spinning drum and a gyroscope chair. Staff said the renovation of the panda pavilion was actually completed in 2022. Once the arrival of Baodi and Baomei was confirmed, the zoo underwent several expert inspections and further refinements to ensure everything met the required standards.
Both enclosures have areas covered with pine bark. “Experts suggested this to simulate the pandas’ natural habitat,” a staff member explained, smiling. “They sometimes roll around on it — clearly, they love it.”
In one of the outdoor areas, the reporter noticed two osmanthus trees. Staff explained that these trees were newly planted — the osmanthus was planted last year, and come autumn, the pandas can enjoy the scent of the blossoms.
To help the pandas adapt, keepers even rubbed their own feces inside the new enclosures to create familiar scents before their arrival.
Comfortable Living, Healthy Diet
Living well is important, but so is eating well. At first, the zoo airlifted bitter bamboo from Sichuan. But to their surprise, Baodi and Baomei also loved the local Wenzhou bamboo and bitter bamboo. Currently, the zoo provides three kinds of bamboo from both Sichuan and Wenzhou to ensure a smooth dietary transition. Keepers also prepare supplementary foods like steamed corn buns (made with corn, soybeans, eggs, etc.), carrots, and apples to keep their nutrition balanced.
After settling in, the pandas have even begun marking their territory — a sign they feel at home.
Now that Baodi and Baomei are meeting the public, zoo staff remind visitors to follow the rules. “Please don’t tap on the glass, don’t use flash when taking photos, and try to keep your voice down,” one worker advised. “Saying a gentle ‘ni he’ — Wenzhou dialect for ‘hello’ — is a lovely way to greet the pandas.”
The panda pavilion is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. “If you can, we recommend coming a few days later to avoid the crowds,” staff suggested.
From today on, visitors can get a close-up look at this adorable black-and-white pair — lounging while munching bamboo, rolling around, or showing off their charm. This summer, why not visit Wenzhou Zoo and let Baodi and Baomei’s cuteness warm your heart?