🎂 Happy Birthday, Meiling! Jiangxi Province’s only giant panda celebrated his 20th birthday in style this week at Nanchang Zoo. Fans sang ‘Happy Birthday’ and gifted him a custom cake crafted from bamboo, fruits, and other panda-approved treats. 🎵🐼
Born on September 1, 2003, Meiling’s party came two days early—because who can wait for cake? While wild pandas live 15–20 years, Meiling’s life in captivity means he could thrive into his late 20s. Despite being a senior (think 70–80 in human years!), he’s still flipping, climbing, and charming visitors daily.
🔍 Did you know? His longevity is thanks to expert care from zoo staff, who monitor his diet and health around the clock. Meiling’s story highlights China’s conservation efforts, which have helped boost wild panda populations by 17% since the 2010s. 🌿
