Berlin Zoo's adorable giant pandas celebrate their fourth birthday amidst plans for their return to China (video)

In a heartwarming celebration at the Berlin Zoo, the first giant pandas born in Germany, Pit and Paule, marked their fourth birthday on August 31. These adorable pandas, also known by their Chinese names Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan, have captured the hearts of visitors since their birth in 2019. However, their days in Berlin are numbered as preparations are underway to send them back to China, a journey that was initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The birthday festivities were a delightful affair as keepers presented the duo with a special ice cake. This unique treat was crafted from a mixture of apples, carrots, and beetroot, accompanied by a side serving of snow – a fitting feast for these beloved creatures.

Traditionally, China has been known for gifting pandas to friendly nations as a part of its "panda diplomacy." However, in recent years, China has adopted a commercial approach, lending pandas to zoos around the world. Pit and Paule's parents, Jiao Qing and Meng Meng, were sent to Berlin in 2017 as part of this initiative.

Florian Sicks, the zoo's curator for mammals, emphasized that the young pandas rightfully belong to China and its Chengdu Panda Base. Zoo officials are hopeful that Pit and Paule will soon make their journey back to their homeland.

"As a rule, this relocation happens at the age of 2 or 3. Due to the pandemic, the process was delayed, and now we are celebrating their fourth birthday here, which we are, of course, very, very happy about. However, it is likely that this will be the last birthday the two of them celebrate here in Berlin," Sicks explained.

Giant pandas are known for their low birth rates, making every panda birth a significant event. Currently, there are approximately 1,800 pandas living in the wild in China, with a few hundred more in captivity worldwide.

In a parallel celebration of these beloved creatures, Moscow Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Russia, recently announced the birth of the country's first-ever giant panda cub. The newborn cub, whose gender has yet to be determined, weighs a mere 150 grams and is the offspring of parents Ru Yi and Ding Ding. This historic birth marks a milestone for panda conservation efforts and serves as a testament to the continued fascination and love for these charismatic animals worldwide.

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.