Giant panda performs several headstands on top of a small tree in the middle of his enclosure, apparently as part of his morning stretch routine.
Staff at Beijing Zoo, in China’s capital, captured the panda named Meng Lan’s exercise routine on 24th November as he was apparently getting ready for the day.
In the video, shared on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. Meng Lan is seen clambering up a wooden structure built around a small tree.
He then climbed onto the branches and got all the way to the top.
There, Meng Lan suddenly stopped and turned towards the camera. Grabbed onto one thick branch with his front paws and lifted his hind legs up in the air.
He tossed his back legs left and right in the air. Performing a big stretch, all the while resting his weight on his head.
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Then he switched into a few more positions as he stretched some more, all seemingly a part of his usual morning routine.
After he apparently completed his sets. Meng Lan then swiftly descended and went on about his day of greeting visitors.
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a black-and-white bear native to China and often serves as the country’s national symbol.
Known for its distinct colouration with black patches around the eyes, ears, and across its body. The giant panda has a robust build and a unique “pseudo thumb” an extension of the wrist bone used for grasping bamboo.
Despite their carnivorous classification, pandas primarily consume bamboo. Supplemented with fruits and occasionally small mammals.
The giant panda is threatened by continued habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. And is currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
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Story By: Simona Kitanovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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