A Panda's Perfect Birthday Cake

Yuan Zai, a giant panda cub whose parents, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, were given to Taiwan by China as a good-will gesture in 2008, turned 1 on July 6, and the zoo threw the cuddly birthday girl a large party, complete with a big cake and a traditional crawling game called Zhua Zhou.

As thousands of visitors gathered to join in her birthday-morning celebration, Yuan Zai was presented with a stacked, brightly colored icy confection made with apples, pineapples, carrots, buns and that special ingredient favored by discriminating pandas everywhere: bamboo. (No candles, though.)

The panda, who weighed less than half a pound at birth, now tips the scales at about 75 pounds, the Taipei Times reports. Actually, she may have weighed a bit more after her party: Yuan Zai devoured her cake hungrily, though, she did pause to share with her mom, according to AFP.

Bear-y cute.

Next Up

This Publix Birthday Cake Misunderstanding Will Make Your Day

One bakery employee took a set of cake decorating instructions all too literally.

This Costco-Themed Birthday Cake Is So Dang Cute

A self-taught cake artist’s latest creation is going viral on TikTok.

7 Kids Birthday Party Treats That Are Better Than Cake

Got a little one who only eats the frosting? Make them one of these sweet treats instead.

5 Recipes That Prove Pound Cake Is the Perfect Summertime Dessert

Fresh fruit and sunny citrus turn this indulgent cake into the most delicious warm-weather treat.

Apparently, McDonald’s Sells Secret Menu Birthday Cakes

A TikTok user made a groundbreaking discovery.

Tom Brady’s Birthday Cake Weighed 1,200 Pounds

It also featured 250 pounds of sugar and was totally inconsistent with the football star’s diet.

5 Epic Cakes for a Summer Birthday

Our ridiculously delicious birthday cakes are perfect for celebrating. Whether you're going all-out with Ina's three-tiered hot pink cake or keeping it simple with a vanilla sheet cake with chocolate frosting, these desserts will elate any birthday boy or girl.

On TV

What's New