Mei Zhu, the little rebel of Chimelong Safari Park: the star of China's giant pandas

Mei Zhu, China's new star

To the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou A little star has been born who is conquering the hearts of the public and the media: Mei Zhu. She is a puppy of giant panda with a lively and independent character, lovingly cared for by his inseparable guardian. Behind her tender appearance hides a rebellious and curious soul, which has already earned her the nickname of "“princess of escapes”.

Mei Zhu, the Little Rebel of Chimelong Safari Park: Mei Zhu's Origins and Family

  • Full name: Mei Zhu (妹猪)
  • Date of birth: June 18, 2024 (early morning)
  • Place: Chimelong Safari Park, Guangzhou, China
  • Mother: Meng Meng (萌萌)
  • Father: Jia He (家和)
  • Sex: Female

The name Mei Zhu It has an affectionate meaning in Cantonese culture: a sweet, familiar nickname used for the little girls of the family, similar to “little sister” or “darling” in Mandarin.

A little explorer with a free spirit

From its earliest days, Mei Zhu showed an extraordinary character. As soon as he learned to move, he began to climb and discover the world beyond his den, using his mother Meng Meng as a real trampoline to reach the window.

Over time, the puppy became a true escape master. However, not all her escapes were successful: at eight months old, she got stuck in a window, and the keepers had to intervene to free her—an episode that has now become part of her personal legend.

Strong temperament and irresistible charm

Unlike others more docile panda cubs, Mei Zhu is known for her stubborn and somewhat biting personality. Her keepers say she doesn't like being touched without permission, and when she's annoyed, she doesn't hesitate to give a firm bite, shaking her head like a little savage. A strong personality, yes, but one that makes her even more beloved by the public, fascinated by her mix of sweetness and indomitable free spirit.

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Mei Zhu: Ambassador for Giant Panda Conservation

In September 2024, Chimelong Safari Park officially launched Mei Zhu's IP image, turning it into a real icon of panda conservation in China. The event, which attracted hundreds of families and tourists, marked the debut of the little panda as the symbolic face of the environmental and biodiversity conservation.

On September 26, during the 100-day ceremony, Mei Zhu weighed 5.65 kg and already had 13 baby teeth, a sign of healthy and vigorous growth. Since then, her development has been extremely rapid: from just 178 grams at birth, she has reached nearly 11 kilograms by December 2024, becoming a healthy young panda.

A Chinese New Year star

With the arrival of 2025, Mei Zhu celebrated her first Chinese New Year next to their mother, Meng Meng. Park keepers prepared a "bamboo festival" for them, complete with carrots and festive decorations, attracting the attention of visitors and national media.

Today, Mei Zhu represents the future of giant pandas in China —a symbol of hope, vitality, and the connection between humanity and nature. With her unique personality and independent spirit, Chimelong Safari Park's little rebel is destined to leave an indelible mark on the history of panda conservation.

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Chiara Alonzo - Storyteller, copywriter, and SEO specialist, she holds a degree in Communication Sciences and Modern Philology, and a Master's degree in Political and Institutional Communication and Marketing from the Luiss School of Government. She currently serves as vice president and head of communications for the Ciao Panda Aps Association.