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! ✈️
