Have you ever seen a panda doing the same popular gym facial expression? Well, get ready to meet the most extraordinary panda you have ever seen!
Pandas are known for their cuddly appearance and are seen to have powerful jaws and strong teeth for grinding tough bamboo stalks.
Since they are born to break bamboo, most of the time, pandas use their mouth, nose or the top of their head to snap a bamboo stalk in half— but not for this one panda in China.
Meet Meng Er, a giant panda residing at Beijing Zoo. He was born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
A viral video posted on Instagram by chinapandafamily with the caption ‘’Meng Er’s unique expression of breaking open the bamboo. In fact, he learned this from nannies. He left his mother when he was a little baby and did not learn how to split bamboo with his teeth. He learned it from humans, and even the facial expression of humans,’’ captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
In the comments section of the video posted on Instagram, many netizens found the panda’s action amusing and called Meng Er “The Dragon Warrior,” referring to the lead panda character from the animated movie series, “Kung Fu Panda.
Meng Er did not go viral only for his fluffy appearance but also because of his unique way of breaking bamboo. However, the reason behind the viral video is quite bittersweet.
Unlike other pandas, he learned this skill from humans because he was raised by a zookeeper. Meng Er was separated from his mother when he was a cub, and he was never taught how to break bamboo.
In China, each panda at the sanctuary has an assigned caretaker, often referred to as a panda nanny. When Meng Er’s nanny noticed he struggled with bamboo breaking, the caretaker began breaking it for him and often in front of him, and that became a demonstration for Meng Er.
Many people found the panda’s actions endearing, while others saw it differently. Meng Er’s mimicking gestures have not only brought comic relief but also initiated a broader discussion on the effects of humans on captive animals.
Despite the panda’s hardships and the netizens’ differing perspectives, Meng Er’s story serves as a reminder of these cherished creatures’ perseverance and adaptability.
