Adelaide Zoo’s beloved Giant Pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, have celebrated their birthdays with a community party full of treats, toys and panda playtime at this year’s Teddy Bears Picnic.
The event marked Yi Lan turning four on 10 August and looked ahead to Xing Qiu’s fifth birthday on 29 September. It also marked a special milestone for Adelaide Zoo, as it was at last year’s Teddy Bears Picnic that the arrival of the panda pair was first announced.
More than 1,000 visitors poured through the gates to join the celebrations, taking part in face painting, bubble shows and plenty of panda-themed fun in the Bamboo Forest.
“We’re thrilled to have so many visitors joining us today to celebrate,” said Chad Crittle, Acting Director of Adelaide Zoo. “The Teddy Bears Picnic is our annual celebration of Giant Panda birthdays and a fantastic opportunity to connect the community with one of the world’s most iconic species.”
Yi Lan and Xing Qiu officially went on display in January this year and have since become firm favourites among guests. To mark the occasion, they received custom-made spring-themed papier-mâché cakes, scented enrichment items including their favourite strawberry-scented bubbles, and their much-loved panda cake made from flour and bamboo.
“Both pandas have adjusted incredibly well to life here in South Australia,” said Chad. “They’re learning the sights, sounds and rhythms of a new environment and are clearly enjoying themselves. From local bird calls like kookaburras and magpies to Adelaide’s seasonal changes, everything is a new experience.”
Yi Lan and Xing Qiu are still young by panda standards, roughly equivalent to teenagers, and this year has focused on settling them into independent living and exploring their habitat at their own pace. Breeding is likely still a few years away.
“Pandas hold a special place in people’s hearts,” said Chad. “They help start important conversations about wildlife conservation and inspire action. Events like this remind us of the powerful impact international collaboration can have on protecting species.”
The conservation status of Giant Pandas has improved from endangered to vulnerable thanks to global efforts. Zoos SA continues to play a vital role in this work through partnerships with governments and international conservation bodies.
