The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most cherished traditions across East Asia, and this year, animals at Nantong Zoo in Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland got to celebrate in style. As the full moon readies to illuminate the night sky, zookeepers crafted special “mooncakes” tailored to each species’ appetite and dietary needs.
For the zoo’s lion cubs, those fluffy feline princes got their fill of fresh cuts of meat shaped like traditional mooncakes, while colonies of penguins dined on savory seafood morsels designed to mirror the festival’s iconic pastries. And the red pandas? They feasted on colorful, fruit-based mooncake treats that bounced their way into the hearts of visitors.
This creative twist on tradition not only kept the animals engaged, but also offered guests a unique, up-close way to connect with wildlife and culture at the same time. Families, students and digital nomads alike have been snapping photos, sharing stories online, and tagging their shots with #MidAutumnFest to spread the festive cheer far beyond the zoo’s gates.
By blending animal welfare with cultural celebration, Nantong Zoo shows how innovation and tradition can come together to create memorable experiences—for humans and animals alike. It’s a fun reminder that with a little creativity, festivals can be inclusive, educational and downright delicious.
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Animals in Nantong zoo embrace festivity with special 'mooncakes'
cgtn.com
