Panda couple in Singapore celebrates 2nd anniversary

Giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia celebrated their birthdays and second anniversary in Singapore on Friday, according to media reports.

Over 150 guests joined their birthday bash at River Safari and participated in a Panda Lantern Parade to light the way for the future of the endangered species.

Male panda Kai Kai turns seven on September 14, while his female partner, Jia Jia turned six on September 3. The pair of pandas arrived in Singapore on September 6 two years ago. The birthday duo was treated to birthday "cakes" specially designed by students of ITE College West in Singapore.

More than 500 conservation pledges were collected from birthday party guests and members of the public in August, which aims to protect pandas through various ways, from conserving fuel by taking public transport to refraining from using products that may endanger animals.

"In the past two years Kai Kai and Jia Jia have brought much joy to visitors at River Safari and as we celebrate their birthdays, we hope to leverage their popularity to initiate education programs to highlight the threats that pandas face and encourage individuals to take actions to ensure a brighter future for this iconic animal," Said Claire Chiang, chairman of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

A nursery rhyme book for pre-school children that tells the adventures of the two pandas in Singapore was launched during the birthday bash. Written by five teachers, the book is in the Chinese language to help children learn their mother tongue in a fun and engaging manner.

The birthday bash also kick-starts festivities during Panda Party week from September 6-14, during which visitors can expect a line-up of activities at the Giant Pand Forest.