Beijing Zoo responds after panda Meng Lan seen walking backwards
大熊猫“萌兰”倒走行为引发关注 北京动物园回应
Beijing Zoo has issued a statement addressing public concern over giant panda Meng Lan’s backward walking. The zoo says preliminary observation shows the behavior occurs as short-distance retreats during play and activity, with no continuous or repetitive pattern detected. Keepers are increasing monitoring, will intervene gently if needed, and are enriching the environment and adjusting indoor-outdoor rotation schedules to safeguard animal welfare. Veterinary and keeper teams will track behavioral data long-term and assess intervention effects.
The view from inside
The official response frames the incident as a routine animal-management matter, emphasizing scientific observation and the zoo’s commitment to ‘动物福利’ (animal welfare).
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