Nantong wildlife park animals celebrate Laba Festival with feast
To celebrate the Laba Festival, the Nantong Forest Safari Park treated its animal residents to a unique food feast, delighting both the animals and visitors alike.
In the giant panda exhibit, a creative windmill made from carrots and plump pumpkins stole the show. Corn, a panda favorite, was neatly skewered and arranged on the ground. The panda siblings leisurely munched on their treats, their adorable antics melting the hearts of onlookers.
Corns and a windmill made from pumpkins are prepared for giant pandas. [Photo/Nantong Daily]
A giant panda enjoys the special Laba Festive meal. [Photo/Nantong Daily]
In the golden monkey area, pumpkins were cleverly arranged to spell the Chinese characters for "Laba (腊八)". The monkeys exhibited curiosity as they engaged with their food prior to consuming a nutritious meal, during which they also demonstrated social behavior by sharing. As omnivores with high dietary standards, the golden monkeys were treated to a carefully prepared spread of fresh fruits and nuts to meet their nutritional needs.
A group photo of a golden monkey and its food feast. [Photo/Nantong Daily]
In the meerkat exhibit, keepers crafted the word "Laba" using minced meat, creating a special dining experience for the energetic meerkats. They gathered around with keen interest, using their tiny paws to grab the food, consuming it with evident enthusiasm and delight.
Keepers craft the word "Laba" using minced meat, creating a special dining experience for the energetic meerkats. [Photo/Nantong Daily]
At the Sendi Snow and Ice Park, smelt fish were artfully arranged to entice the penguins. Waddling over in their charming way, the penguins happily pecked at the fish, thoroughly enjoying their festive treat.
Smelt fish are artfully arranged to entice the penguins. [Photo/Nantong Daily]
A representative from the zoo shared that these special Laba Festival meals were designed not only to show extra care for the animals during the holiday but also to help visitors learn more about the animals' habits and dietary needs, fostering greater awareness of wildlife protection. The celebration also provided a unique visual experience for guests, blending the joy of observing animals with the festive atmosphere of the Laba Festival.