Adelaide Zoo in Australia is experiencing a surge in visitors as it celebrates the birthdays of its two giant pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, the only pandas in the Southern Hemisphere. Yi Lan turned five on August 10, and Xing Qiu will mark his sixth birthday on September 29. The zoo has commemorated their birthdays throughout August, offering free admission for children aged 14 and under.
The annual “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” held on a recent Sunday to honor the pandas, attracted nearly 5,000 visitors, making it one of the zoo’s busiest events, according to Arliah Hayward, assistant curator for pandas. The event featured panda-themed activities and enrichment, reflecting strong public interest in the pair. Hayward noted that visitors enjoy observing the distinct personalities of Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, and panda-related content remains among the zoo’s most popular on social media platforms.
Yi Lan and Xing Qiu arrived in Adelaide in 2024 from Sichuan province in Southwest China. The city is serving as their home for a decade under a joint research program that continues a long-standing partnership between China and Adelaide Zoo. This program previously hosted pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni from 2009 until 2024. During their 15-year stay, Wang Wang and Fu Ni attracted more than five million visitors. However, attempts to breed them were unsuccessful.
China’s global panda lending program supports breeding and biological research efforts, with all offspring born abroad considered the property of China. David Smith, an associate professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Social and Political Sciences, described pandas as “natural media stars” whose visual appeal has made them widely popular worldwide. He emphasized that pandas are closely associated with China and serve as a powerful form of “soft power” by fostering positive international sentiment.
Smith also highlighted the significance of panda exchanges in promoting global conservation efforts, noting that China uses these partnerships to assert environmental leadership. As Yi Lan and Xing Qiu continue to mature, the zoo closely monitors their health and adapts care to their adjustment to the Southern Hemisphere’s seasonal cycles. Hayward confirmed that both pandas are doing well and emphasized how their unique personalities have become increasingly evident to staff and visitors alike.
Breeding pandas in captivity is notoriously challenging; Smith pointed out that the birth of panda cubs in such conditions is a rare and highly valued event. The arrival of cubs can generate significant public interest and prestige for hosting zoos worldwide.
Local visitor Dan Taylor, 66, said that visiting the pandas has become a cherished family activity. Accompanied by his 12-year-old grandson, Taylor expressed hopes that Yi Lan and Xing Qiu will successfully breed during their time at Adelaide Zoo, continuing the legacy of this international conservation effort.