It’s a birthday extravaganza at the San Diego Zoo today! Giant panda Xiao Liwu (pronounced sshyaoww lee woo)—“Mr. Wu” to his keepers and fans—was all energy as he celebrated his third birthday in spectacular pirate-themed fashion. The birthday bear, whose name means “little gift,” came out of his den to find a festive atmosphere, complete with decorations, a brand-new swing, and a beautiful ice cake proclaiming, “Happy Birthday Mr. Wu.”
Hundreds of guests watched as the easy-going bear opened gift after gift. The crowd’s excitement grew as he finally made his way over to his cake and began devouring the slices of fruits and vegetables layering the top. The Zoo’s nutritional services team—the imaginative force behind this year’s impressive cake—spent weeks freezing and sculpting the blue and orange icy treat. The two-tiered cake was made of water mixed with food coloring and frozen into layers. Bamboo stalks, a favorite of Mr. Wu’s, were used to support the top tier. The cake was decorated with sliced fruits and vegetables, colored pieces of ice, pureed yam frosting, and a little honey.
As a special birthday gift, a new swing set was hung inside his exhibit. The swing was built by the Zoo’s exhibit team, with all of the parts donated by fans. Mr. Wu’s keepers also hung decorations, and placed tiny gift boxes filled with hay, pine shavings and his daily food items around the exhibit for him to enjoy. The cake, swing, and gifts are a form of enrichment, which is important to the panda. The items keep him stimulated and active, and allow him to show natural behaviors.
Keepers describe Mr. Wu as a small but mighty bear, who’s extremely smart and adventurous. He enjoys playing with ice cubes and climbing the tallest tree in his exhibit. He also enjoys rolling in different scents, with his favorites being wintergreen and cinnamon. He weighs just over 155 pounds today—but when he is full grown, he could weigh as much as 250 pounds. Visitors can see Mr. Wu at Panda Trek at the San Diego Zoo, or watch him on the Zoo’s Panda Cam, at www.zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/panda-cam
The San Diego Zoo is home to three giant pandas: Xiao Liwu; his mother, Bai Yun; and his father, Gao Gao. Giant pandas are on loan to the San Diego Zoo from the People’s Republic of China, for conservation studies of this endangered species. Those who want to help San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy lead the fight against extinction can celebrate Mr. Wu’s birthday by becoming a Hero for Wildlife. To find out how, visit www.endextinction.org.
Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.
CONTACT: SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS, 619-685-3291
Hi!
Danielle in San Diego
Monitor’s note: People are posting comments on the most recent story, In Peaceful Panda Canyon.
Hello there dear pandas, Gao Gao, Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu,
It was a nice change for all of us having some rain…
I hope you enjoyed getting wet a little like a shower…
Danielle in San Diego
I sure hope the other posters find their way here on the different blogs, It took me a while to understand how to figure it out, even though, someone from the zoo told me how to find it, I still had a difficult time to find the blog or I should say the many blogs..I sure miss the old way though.
Danielle in San Diego
Monitor’s note: I think people will most likely comment on the most recent post, as they did previously so you probably won’t see much “chatter” here. But it’s nice that when they read these older stories, they’ll see your welcoming “face” in the comments! 🙂
Good evening dear panda, I’m sure you three has a nice day,
Mr. Wu you look so cute taking a little nap on your back, It looked like you were waiting for a belly rub!!!!!
I know you don’t get that anymore because you are a wild animal, to look at you , you sure don’t look like a wild animal, you are precious, and still have that cute baby face.. I love you Mr. Wu.
Danielle in San Diego
Hi Amanda, I wonder if you like the new blog?
no one else is here and a lot of the blog are empty now…
I Know it’s something that Mr. Wu is three years old, I Love that panda, I adopted him when he was one year old.. Others adopted him at that time too!, Do you remember puppygirl? she and I knew each other from another forum .. we both adopted Mr. Wu , so we used to say we were his God-mothers… she has not posted for a long time…I don’t know why!
Take care, and you have a wonderful Christmas too!
Danielle in San Diego
Well the year is almost at an end and i can’t believe Mr Wu is three…. I wish everyone including the beautiful animals a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year 🙂 xx