The San Diego Zoo has a second birthday celebration planned Tuesday for its giant panda cub.
Zoo nutritionists have created an elaborate cake made of ice, bamboo and some of Xiao Liwu’s favorite fruits. The cub, whose name means “little gift,” was born July 29, 2012.
While the cake will be festive and fun, it also serves as special enrichment for the panda, according to the zoo. Enrichment in various forms is important, as it keeps the young panda stimulated and active, and allows him to show his natural behaviors, zookeepers said.
Xiao Liwu will receive other enrichment items, including boxes wrapped as gifts.
A birthday party for the cub nicknamed “Mr. Wu” is scheduled for just before the zoo opens to the public.
Giant pandas in the U.S. are on a research loan to the zoo from China. Xiao Liwu is the sixth panda born at the zoo.
— City News Service
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