• Date:
  • Category: Travel

Beijing Zoo issued an official response on the evening of October 27, 2026, addressing public concerns about the health of its beloved giant panda, Meng Lan (萌兰), stating that diagnostic evaluations found no obvious abnormalities and that the panda's condition is currently stable.

🐼 The Trigger for Concern

The response came after several social media users reported that Meng Lan exhibited unusual symptoms on the afternoon of October 27. According to these posts, after being let out for an afternoon feeding, the panda displayed persistent lethargy, prolonged lying down, and symptoms including dry heaving and white foam at the mouth. Netizens noted that the panda's condition had not improved by closing time and that it had not returned to its indoor enclosure, prompting calls for the zoo to arrange a prompt veterinary examination and to inform the public of the findings.

📋 The Zoo's Official Statement

In its statement released via its official Weibo account, Beijing Zoo provided a detailed account of what occurred and the measures taken:

  • Afternoon Observation: Meng Lan was resting continuously in the outdoor exercise area. Keepers and veterinary staff closely monitored the animal and called to it multiple times, but received no response.
  • Return to Enclosure: At approximately 7:00 p.m., keepers brought Meng Lan back to its indoor enclosure.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: Staff then conducted a thorough observation of the panda's feeding, activity, mental state, rest, and excretion. Simultaneously, veterinarians collected fecal samples for testing.
  • Diagnostic Outcome: Based on the diagnostic evaluation, no obvious abnormalities were found, and Meng Lan's condition was reported as stable.

🌙 Ongoing Monitoring

To ensure the panda's well-being, the zoo has arranged for dedicated keepers and veterinary staff to be on duty overnight, maintaining continuous observation of Meng Lan's nighttime feeding, activity, mental state, rest, and excretion. The zoo also stated that a decision on whether to let Meng Lan out into the outdoor display on the morning of October 28 would be made depending on the situation at that time. The statement concluded by thanking the public for their concern.

Meng Lan, a male giant panda known for his energetic and often amusing behavior, is one of the most popular residents at Beijing Zoo and has a large following on Chinese social media.