Visitors flock to see giant pandas in restored home

The Beijing Zoo’s giant panda home reopened on Saturday after a five-day renovation, with visitors flocking to see their favorite animals in their revamped habitats.

Authorities kept the panda lodge closed from October 28 to November 1 to carry out improvements aimed at improving the animals’ physical and mental well-being by improving their behavior.

Since 2020, the zoo has been making annual updates to better mimic pandas’ natural habitats.

This year’s highlight is fan favorite Meng Lan’s “deluxe” habitat, which now comes with amenities such as a trampoline, space capsule, slide and water play area.

Long lines formed as visitors flocked to see Meng Lan checking out the new facilities.

“I came on the first day to see if the pandas were enjoying their new surroundings,” said one young visitor.

Meng Lan, visibly relaxed, was seen climbing the slide and playing with a hanging dice toy.

“Meng Lan is clearly enjoying the update,” one fan wrote on social media site Xiaohongshu.

In the surrounding areas, pet pandas Meng Bao and Meng Yu entertained guests with their antics on new seating platforms, causing waves of laughter from spectators.

The renovation was tailored to each panda’s needs, including custom-sized climbing structures, interactive toys and wicker beds for added comfort.

One livestream attendee reported on Fu Xing, the more subdued panda, saying, “The renovation has expanded the space for all the pandas, giving each of them an environment that suits their personality. Even Fu Xing now has a cozy place to sunbathe.”

The zoo has also adapted areas for senior pandas Ya Ya and Goo Goo to include smaller slides and soft features to encourage activity.

Zoo officials said the enrichment work will be ongoing, with future adjustments based on the pandas’ reactions to the new environment.