Mei Zhu

Basic Profile

Mei Zhu (Chinese: 妹珠), affectionately called “Mei Zhu” (妹猪) — meaning “precious as a pearl” — is a female giant panda born on June 18, 2024, at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park. She is the first offspring of Meng Meng (萌萌), the eldest of the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets “Meng Shuai Ku” (萌帅酷).

Birth & Growth

• Birth weight: 178 grams
• 1 year weight (June 2025): 27.1 kg — a ~150x increase
• Health: Regularly monitored by Chimelong’s veterinary team; described as active and healthy

Names

• 妹珠 (Mei Zhu): Official name, meaning “younger sister pearl,” symbolizing being cherished “as precious as a pearl” (如珠如宝)
• 妹猪 (Mei Zhu): Affectionate Cantonese nickname, using the character 猪 (pig) as a term of endearment common in Cantonese culture

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Family & Lineage

The Legend of the Triplets

Mei Zhu carries an extraordinary heritage: her mother Meng Meng is one-third of “Meng Shuai Ku” (萌帅酷) — the only surviving giant panda triplets in the world, born at Chimelong in 2014. This makes Mei Zhu the first “second-generation” descendant of the triplets, a milestone celebrated as a “miracle continuation.”

Parents

Father: Jia He (家和)

• Male panda at Chimelong, paired with Meng Meng for breeding

Mother: Meng Meng (萌萌)

• Eldest of the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets (萌帅酷)
• Born July 29, 2014, at Chimelong
• Passed on her活力 genes to Mei Zhu

Grandparents

• Bai Yang (白杨): Paternal grandfather
• Jin Xin (锦心): Paternal grandmother
• Lin Lin (琳琳): Maternal grandfather
• Ju Xiao (菊笑): Maternal grandmother — mother of the triplets

Extended Family

• Xiao Xin (小馨): Cousin (表姐)
• Aunts: Shuai Shuai (帅帅) and Ku Ku (酷酷) — her mother’s triplet siblings

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Life at Chimelong

First Year

Mei Zhu spent her first year under the dedicated care of Chimelong’s keeper team, who monitored her growth milestones closely. From a 178-gram newborn, she grew into a healthy 27.1 kg yearling.

First Birthday — The “Household Registration” Ceremony (June 18, 2025)

Chimelong held an elaborate first birthday celebration for Mei Zhu:

• “Household Registration” Award: She received a symbolic “户口本” (household registration booklet) engraved with her official name
• “Zhua Zhou” (抓周) Ceremony: In the traditional Chinese first-year ritual, Mei Zhu chose the “carrot key” (胡萝卜钥匙) from an array of symbolic items
• “Miracle Continuation Award”: Recognized as the first descendant of the world’s only surviving panda triplets
• Weight: 27.1 kg, confirming healthy development

National Treasure Tour Guide

From her first birthday onward, Mei Zhu began participating in panda conservation education:

• Live streaming and short videos sharing panda behavior knowledge
• “National Treasure Tour Guide” (国宝导游) role
• Helping the public understand panda daily life and conservation needs

Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6, 2025)

Keepers prepared special wowotou (窝窝头) mooncakes made from bamboo powder, rice flour, corn flour, soybean powder, and eggs — introducing Mei Zhu to traditional Chinese festival customs.

Animal Games Gymnastics

Mei Zhu participated in Chimelong’s animal games, taking on the gymnastics event. She inherited her mother Meng Meng’s energetic genes, demonstrating flexibility and coordination in her routines.

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Personality & Character

• Energetic: Inherited her mother Meng Meng’s活力 (vitality) genes
• Curious: Enthusiastically explores enrichment items and new spaces
• Athletic: Shows natural flexibility and coordination, excelling in gymnastics-style movements
• Playful: Engages actively with keepers and enrichment activities

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Timeline of Notable Events

2024

• June 18: Born at Guangzhou Chimelong, weighing 178 grams

2025

• June 18: First birthday celebration — received “户口本,” chose carrot key in zhua zhou ceremony, weight 27.1 kg; began conservation education work
• October 6: Mid-autumn festival celebration with special wowotou mooncakes
• Participated in animal games gymnastics event

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Conservation Significance

First Descendant of the Triplets

Mei Zhu represents a historic milestone in giant panda conservation:

• Her mother is the eldest of the only surviving giant panda triplets in the world
• She is the first “Meng Shuai Ku” descendant to be born
• Her birth was celebrated as proof that the triplets’ genetic line can successfully continue

Part of a Thriving Population

Chimelong has established one of South China’s largest ex-situ giant panda populations:

• 16 giant pandas housed at the facility
• Multiple generations: the original triplets, their first-generation offspring (like Mei Zhu), and other second-generation pandas
• 8 successful births totaling 11 cubs as of 2025

Public Education Role

Through her “National Treasure Tour Guide” activities, Mei Zhu helps:

• Educate the public about panda behavior and daily life
• Promote conservation awareness through social media
• Inspire younger generations to care about wildlife protection

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Sources & Further Reading

• Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park official announcements (2024-2025)
• Media coverage of Mei Zhu’s first birthday (Southern Metropolis Daily, Guangzhou Daily)
• Chimelong panda conservation program records
• Social media documentation from Chimelong’s official channels