Turning 16 is a rite of passage for many young girls around the world, and those in the animal kingdom should be no exception.
This endangered red panda is named Chiro, and she is the “golden girl” of Symbio Wildlife Park’s red panda sanctuary.
To celebrate Chiro’s 16th birthday, zoo keeper Ash Clarke made her a delicious cake consisting of all her favorite fruit, and decorated with the freshest bamboo shoots.
Chiro arrived to Symbio about six ago to form part of the zoo’s red panda captive breeding program, and quickly became quite a hit because of her constant look of happiness.
She also plays a vital role in educating the public and helping further their appreciation and understanding of endangered species. While technically in her twilight years, (with the average lifespan of a red panda being 8 years old), Chiro has made it to 16, so technically she is a senior!
Speaking affectionately of Chori, Keeper Ash said,
“She is definitely a little bit of diva in the mornings, always spending a good five to ten minutes grooming herself before coming down from the tree, even for a cake as delicious looking as this! but that’s Chori for you!”
But Chori knows who cares about her, and shows her affection in any way she can.
Please watch this precious video of Chori celebrating her 16th birthday and SHARE it with your friends on Facebook!
To learn more about how you can help endangered red pandas, please click HERE.
[Featured Image Credit: YouTube- Symbio Wildlife Park]