Ten Pandas Celebrate Their First Chinese New Year in Central China's Largest Panda Garden
The Yueyang Zhonghua Giant Panda Garden, located in Hunan
province, has recently opened its doors to the public. As the largest panda
garden in central China, it is now home to a total of ten pandas. CGTN reporter
Dai Kaiyi takes us on a tour to see how the pandas are adjusting to their new
environment, their first Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, and how the staff
are welcoming both the pandas and visitors during this festive season.
Dai Kaiyi reports from Yueyang, Hunan Province, "As we
celebrate Spring Festival with our families and friends, we find that it's not
just us; others are also joining in the festivities. Here, a group of giant
pandas is living a relaxed life and welcoming guests at their doorstep."
Despite being open to the public for just over a month, the
panda garden in Hunan Province has already attracted fans from all over the
country who come to catch a glimpse of these furry bears. These pandas
originate from the southwestern Sichuan Province, known for hosting more than
80% of China's giant pandas. Now, they have found their new home in Hunan.
Xiang Le, Director of Animal Care at Yueyang Nanhu Zoo Co.,
shares, "After settling in, the ten pandas are doing well in Yueyang. With
expert guidance and attentive care, they are all very stable, with good
spirits, appetite, and activity levels. We've even made special toys for them
to play with based on their preferences."
Dai Kaiyi continues, "Each of the ten pandas in the
garden has been given a Lunar New Year cartoon image, making it easier for
visitors to identify them."
While pandas may be black and white, their colorful
portrayal in festive costumes adds to the holiday spirit. The zookeepers have
also prepared a special diet for them during the Spring Festival celebrations.
"At this mini museum, we can see all the types of food
that pandas eat, such as bamboo sticks and leaves, apples, freshly-picked
bamboo shoots, and corn. Sometimes, they even enjoy carrots. During their first
Spring Festival in their new home, the pandas are treated to a special feast
prepared by the keepers," explains Dai Kaiyi.
Hu Jun, Deputy General Manager of Yueyang Longshan Cultural
Tourism Development Co., shares, "To enhance the festive atmosphere during
the Spring Festival, the panda park has launched the 'Panda Welcomes Spring,
Prosperity with the Dragon' themed event. The outdoor area is decorated with
panda-themed window flowers, couplets, and wall stickers. Visitors can also
take photos at traditional Chinese-style photo spots and the Panda New Year
Wall. The feeding staff have also prepared delicious 'gift bags' for the
pandas."
Giant pandas are cherished as China's national treasure, and
it's crucial to take good care of them for their future. The caretakers at the
garden in Hunan Province are dedicated to ensuring a memorable Lunar New Year
celebration for the pandas in their new habitat.