Since she came into the world on June 18, 2024 to Chimelong Safari Park of Guangzhou, the small Mei Zhu, giant panda daughter of Meng Meng, has enchanted millions. Every step he takes—from his first wobbly step to playing on the branches—has become a shared and celebrated moment online. Behind this fame lies a precious figure: Chen Liangjin, known on the web as “Grandpa Daliang”, the keeper who, with his tenderness and professionalism, has won the hearts of panda enthusiasts all over the world.
The special bond between Mei Zhu and her guardian “Grandpa Daliang”: his work
The viral images of Chen teaching Mei Zhu to climb or their daily cuddles have revealed a genuine bond. It's not just about care, but about emotional understanding: Chen is able to interpret the nuances of panda behavior—from happiness to stress—thanks to the experience gained over 16 years of work.
A veteran caretaker with a grandfather's heart
Chen Liangjin's career began in 2009 at Chimelong, where he cared for koalas. A year later, he was entrusted with a highly prestigious task: caring for giant pandas, considered a national treasure. Since then, he has participated in the development of the famous twins Meng, Shuai and Ku, and today accompanies the second generation represented by Mei Zhu with the same dedication.
At the ceremony to renovate Mei Zhu's enclosure—a traditional event featuring a lion dance and auspicious rituals typical of Guangdong—Grandpa Daliang was welcomed like a celebrity. "Meng Meng is like a daughter to me, so Mei Zhu is like a granddaughter," he says, smiling. For him and his colleagues, the keeper team is like a big family, where each panda has "adoptive moms and dads.".
From real estate to zoology: a life journey driven by passion
Before fully dedicating himself to animal care, Chen had studied real estate management. Only after entering Chimelong did he understand that his true vocation was something else. He therefore attended a course in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, transforming an interest into solid scientific skills. This combination of technical knowledge and sensitivity has made his approach to panda care a reference model in the field. Each panda has a personalized meal plan, designed to avoid nutritional imbalances. “Skipping even a small portion can cause problems over time. Attention must be constant,” explains Chen, emphasizing how the responsibility and the’daily love are pillars of his work.
The special understanding between Mei Zhu and Grandpa Daliang
Visitors to the park can observe the deep connection between the two: when Chen approaches, Mei Zhu welcomes him by running, hugging him, and doesn't let go easily. In moments of fear, his calm voice is enough to reassure her. Between games, cuddles, and afternoon breaks together, this bond has become a symbol of empathy between man and animal. Thanks to his experience, Chen is able to understand the meaning of the verses and gestures of the pandas. He communicates with them in Mandarin and Cantonese, explaining that "it's not the words but the tone that matters most." This language of the heart is the key to their daily harmony.
From fear of public speaking to online success
Once reserved and shy, Chen found himself having to speak in front of cameras to promote the park's educational programs. Today, he is a regular presence at live streaming of Mei Zhu, where he answers fans' questions and shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes. His genuine way of explaining the lives of pandas has made him a beloved figure in the digital community. Many visitors seek him out to take a photo or ask him questions. "Being called 'Grandpa Daliang' is an honor, but also a responsibility," he says.
Its mission is to promote greater awareness of the care and giant panda conservation, demonstrating that dedication and respect for nature are the foundation of every success. Once, a little girl asked him how to distinguish a male panda from a female. He laughed and replied: “Males have a larger body and their black 'masks' around their eyes are larger.‘ It is this balance between science and sweetness which transformed Chen, the shy caretaker turned Grandpa Daliang, into the living symbol of the love between man and panda.