The second pair of giant panda twins born in Germany, Meng Hao and Meng Tian, celebrated their first birthday on the 22nd.
That day, the Berlin Zoo organized a special birthday celebration for the “sister duo”. A prominent red wooden number “1” was set up in the panda enclosure, symbolizing their first year of growth. The area was decorated with colorful ice balls made from beet and carrot juice, a bundle of “bamboo candles”, and a large frozen ice cake with bamboo inside.
Meng Hao and Meng Tian spent a joyful day with these cool treats. They curiously licked the ice balls, playfully climbed on the “bamboo candles”, and chased each other around, having a great time.
A biologist at the Berlin Zoo said that the growth of these panda cubs has been very gratifying. They were born weighing only about 150 grams, hairless and with undeveloped vision. Now, the cubs have grown to about 21 kilograms, with thick, distinct black and white fur, and increasingly lively and active personalities.
The biologist mentioned that the Berlin Zoo maintains a long-term and close cooperative relationship with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Chinese experts stayed at the zoo for at least eight months, fully participating in key stages such as prenatal preparation, the birthing process, and postnatal care, providing professional support. Currently, both sides communicate via email and share experiences in raising the cubs. “The cooperation is very harmonious, with mutual learning and growth through exchange.”
