Yaya the Giant Panda Gains Weight, Sparks Viral Adoration and Concern
A new video of the beloved giant panda, known as Yaya or A-yin, has been released by Beijing Zoo, showing the cuddly creature enjoying a large plate of bamboo shoots. The adorable footage quickly went viral on Chinese social media, sparking a wave of positive commentary from netizens who couldn't help but notice how much Yaya had filled out.
12 January 2024
"Yaya has become so round and fluffy!" one user exclaimed. "Just look at those cute cheeks!"
Indeed, the furry bear appeared to be in the peak of health, happily munching on its snack while visitors snapped photos and recorded videos of the heartwarming scene.
According to Beijing Zoo, Yaya's diet primarily consists of bamboo shoots, which provide a rich source of nutrients for the species. Bamboo also helps to keep pandas' digestive systems healthy, as they rely on the plant's fibrous structure to aid in digestion.
While the popularity of giant pandas continues to soar in China, they remain endangered in the wild, with only an estimated 1,800 specimens left in their native habitat. Fortunately for Yaya, however, she enjoys a comfortable life inside the sprawling confines of the Beijing Zoo, where she receives expert care and attention from dedicated staff members.
Amid the outpouring of affection for Yaya, there were also some concerns raised by netizens. Some wondered if the panda's sudden weight gain could be detrimental to her health, as rapid weight fluctuations can sometimes have adverse effects on animals.
"I hope they're not just fattening her up so they can sell her for more money when she's older," one user wrote.
Others expressed concern that Yaya was eating too quickly and might not be digesting her food properly, pointing out that the panda seemed to be gobbling down her bamboo shoots rather than savoring them slowly.
Despite these concerns, however, many netizens were simply delighted to see Yaya looking so happy and content in her new home.
"Yaya is truly living her best life right now," one user gushed. "And knowing that she's safe and well-cared for at the Beijing Zoo makes us all feel so much better."
Indeed, the video of Yaya chowing down on bamboo shoots has captured the hearts of millions of Chinese citizens, who have watched the clip more than 10 million times since it was uploaded to social media. And as the panda's star continues to rise, it seems clear that she will remain a beloved and cherished symbol of China's unique wildlife heritage for many years to come.
