While humans prepare to light up the skies for the Lantern Festival this weekend, keepers at Chongqing’s Loca Joy Animal Theme Park decided their furry and feathered residents deserved a festive treat too! Giant pandas, red pandas, elephants, and other animals received colorful, nutrient-packed meals designed to mimic traditional Lantern Festival dishes—think veggie dumplings shaped like lanterns and bamboo towers stuffed with juicy fruits.
\"Just like families gather for reunion dinners, we wanted our animals to join the celebration,\" shared park keeper Li Wei. The meals aren’t just Instagram-worthy—they’re tailored to each species’ dietary needs, blending enrichment with cultural flair. Red pandas snacked on berry-filled ‘lanterns’ made from hollowed pumpkins, while elephants demolished watermelon ‘balls’ stuffed with leafy greens.
This isn’t just cute content (though the panda munching on a carrot mooncake is pure gold ). It’s part of a growing trend in China to integrate cultural traditions into animal care, educating visitors about conservation through relatable festivities. Perfect for travelers planning post-pandemic Asia trips!
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Giant pandas, red pandas, elephants, and other animals received colorful, nutrient-packed meals designed to mimic traditional Lantern Festival dishes—think veggie dumplings shaped like lanterns and bamboo towers stuffed with juicy fruits. 
). It’s part of a growing trend in China to integrate cultural traditions into animal care, educating visitors about conservation through relatable festivities. Perfect for travelers planning post-pandemic Asia trips! 
Floral Playground Delights Red Pandas in Chongqing 
