Hangzhou zoo's South American tapir turns one with a pink party

A young South American tapir at Hangzhou Safari Park marked her first birthday this week with a pink-themed celebration that delighted visitors.

The female tapir, named Moning and nicknamed Little Melon Seed, was treated to a specially prepared birthday party at the park. Keepers decorated her enclosure with pink balloons and presented a custom fruit basket, drawing many visitors who stopped to celebrate the milestone.

Unlike her usual bite-sized meals, the birthday feast featured whole fruits and vegetables, including corn, broccoli and cherry tomatoes, which the curious one-year-old eagerly explored.

Pumpkin quickly emerged as her favorite. After struggling briefly with the tough skin, Moning surprised onlookers by inventing her own solution — grabbing the pumpkin, swinging her head, and smashing it on the ground before enjoying the cracked treat. Keepers joked that the move requires serious neck strength and is "not recommended for humans".

Park representatives said Moning remains on public display and is in good health. Staff will continue to monitor her growth and welcome visitors to observe the young tapir's daily life, from energetic play to her popular eating sessions.