The Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement on Friday that members of the Happy Family of giant pandas, twin brothers “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” and their mother “Xin Xin”, celebrated their birthdays on June 26 and July 5 respectively.
According to the statement, Xin Xin turned 16 and weighs 127 kg, while Jian Jian and Kang Kang are now aged seven and weigh 130 kg and 110 kg respectively. Meanwhile, the fourth member of the family, Kai Kai, is currently 15 years old and weighs 117 kg. The statement noted that all are in good health with the nursing team’s attentive care.
The statement noted that the lifespan of giant pandas “under captive conditions” generally ranges from 20-30 years old, adding that those aged between 5 and 20 are in adulthood while those over 20 years old are in the aging period. The nursing team constantly monitors the pandas’ physical conditions during “raising routines” to cope with changes that may occur as they age.
The statement added during the birthdays, the bureau made ice cakes using ice, vegetables, and fruits, as well as high-fibre biscuits, which were offered to the pandas by their keepers. The treat was used to relieve the summer heat. The statement said that 40 teachers and students from Escola Oficial de Seac Pai Van were also invited to the pavilion and created birthday cards for the pandas.
The activities aimed to increase members of the public’s understanding of giant pandas, create a “deep emotional connection” with them, and raise awareness for animal conservation, according to the statement.
Meanwhile, to prevent the pandas from suffering from heat stroke, the statement said that the bureau has arranged for the pandas to stay in the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion’s air-conditioned indoor venues since May.
The statement said that the four pandas take turns to use the two activity sites, with members of the public only able to visit two giant pandas during each visit to the pavilion. Moreover, the pandas’ nursing team also adjusts their menu in a timely manner to ensure a sufficient nutrition intake.
To learn more about the pandas, one can visit the pavilion or https://macaupanda.iam.gov.mo/
This undated handout photo provided by the Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) on Friday shows one of Macau’s giant pandas eating its birthday cake.
