Adelaide Zoo
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Happy Birthday Fu Ni!

On Sunday 23 August, Adelaide Zoo is throwing a special birthday party – Fu Ni the Giant Panda is turning nine years old.

Fu Ni will be treated to specially prepared panda treats and hum-animals will be encouraged to join in the celebration and sign her large, panda-size birthday card.

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Adelaide Zoo Panda Keeper Monika Lapka says this is the fifth birthday Fu Ni has celebrated in Australia, and since arriving at Adelaide Zoo in 2009 has grown into a beautiful, mature female panda.

“The Zoo is abuzz with excitement preparing for Fu Ni’s special day. We’ve had help from across the organisation to create a fun and stimulating environment for the birthday girl by decorating her home with colourful streamers, a specially made ice-block cake and enrichment treats,” Monika said.

“Fu Ni will certainly relish all the attention and show us her playful side as she rips into her birthday presents. She may have grown into a more mature panda over the last few years, but thankfully her playful nature is a part of her personality that has not changed!”

Fu Ni’s ninth birthday celebration kicks off an exciting few weeks at Adelaide Zoo, which includes the Westpac Teddy Bears Picnic next Sunday, her mate Wang Wang’s tenth birthday on Monday 31 August and culminating in the yearly breeding season that is due to begin in approximately three to four weeks.

South Australians can help wish the panda pair Happy Birthday during the Westpac Teddy Bears Picnic on Sunday 30 August. Visitors are encouraged to grab their favourite teddy bear and picnic blanket and join in the fun-filled family event.

Free activities include a bear quest trail, entertainment and bear-themed craft activities. Children can even take their teddy bear friends for a quick check-up at the vet clinic to ensure they’re in the bear-y best of health!