Taipei zoo celebrates 13th birthday of giant panda Yuan Zai

Giant panda Yuan Zai, the first panda born in Taiwan, celebrated her 13th birthday at Taipei Zoo with a special football-themed celebration.

The zoo prepared a custom birthday cake made from ingredients commonly enjoyed by giant pandas, creating a festive treat for the popular animal.

Born in 2013, Yuan Zai is the eldest daughter of giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted to Taiwan by the Chinese mainland. She has remained a favourite among visitors since her birth.

Yuan Zai currently lives at Taipei Zoo with her mother Yuan Yuan and younger sister Yuan Bao. Her father, Tuan Tuan, died in November 2022 following an illness.

The birthday celebration highlighted Yuan Zai’s continued popularity and the public’s affection for giant pandas, which remain a symbol of cultural connection and conservation efforts.