Beijing, July 29, 2026
In a joyful announcement shared today via its X account
@BeijingZooCn, Beijing Zoo revealed that its rare giant panda cub named Booby is celebrating his first birthday. The official post read:
“Today is Booby’s 鲣鸟 1st birthday! Our special little one—born all white with those adorable black circles around his chest—has grown into a playful, bamboo-loving cub. Happy birthday, Booby! Come visit him at Beijing Zoo. #BoobyTurnsOne #BeijingZoo”
Booby was born on July 29, 2025, at Beijing Zoo with an unusual coat pattern that immediately set him apart: almost entirely white fur accented by distinctive black circles around his chest. Keepers and visitors alike have been captivated by this striking appearance, which differs from the classic black-and-white markings of typical giant pandas (black ears, eye patches, limbs, and shoulder bands). The cub was given the name “Booby” in playful reference to those prominent black circular markings on his chest.Over the past year, Booby has thrived under the careful attention of the zoo’s dedicated panda team. He has grown steadily, developed a healthy appetite for bamboo and supplemental foods, and begun exploring climbing structures and outdoor spaces. Zoo staff report that the cub is playful, curious, and adapting well to public viewing schedules as he continues to mature.Beijing Zoo, China’s oldest public zoo, was established in 1906 and officially named Beijing Zoo in 1955. Located at No. 137 Xizhimen Outer Street in Beijing’s Xicheng District, the facility spans approximately 80 hectares and houses more than 5,000 animals representing around 400–450 species.
It is especially renowned for its collection of rare Chinese endemic animals, including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, South China tigers, Père David’s deer, and Chinese alligators, alongside international species such as polar bears, giraffes, and elephants.Giant pandas have been a centerpiece of the zoo since they were first displayed in 1955, with successful captive breeding beginning in 1963. The zoo currently cares for about 10 giant pandas. In mid-July 2026, as part of its 120th anniversary celebrations, Beijing Zoo opened a new state-of-the-art giant panda facility covering 13,000 square meters. The modern complex includes four indoor exhibition halls, multiple animal enclosures, and outdoor activity areas designed with natural habitat features, intelligent environmental controls, and improved visitor flow.
Several pandas, including popular residents such as Meng Lan, have already moved into the new pavilion.Visitors can reach the zoo via Beijing Subway Line 4 (Beijing Zoo Station or National Library Station). Opening hours in peak season (April–October) are typically 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., with slightly shorter hours in the off-season. Adult admission is around 15 RMB, with combo tickets that include the Panda House available for a modest additional fee.The birthday announcement from
@BeijingZooCnhas drawn affectionate responses from panda enthusiasts online, many of whom expressed excitement to follow Booby’s continued growth. Beijing Zoo continues its long tradition of conservation, research, and public education centered on China’s beloved national treasure—the giant panda.
