Kai Kai and Jia Jia have been part of many of our family day-outs over the years. And this is probably one River Wonders visit to bookmark. Singapore’s resident giant pandas are celebrating their birthdays this September.
The occasion feels a little more bittersweet too, as Kai Kai and Jia Jia are set to return to China in 2027. To mark their birthdays, River Wonders is hosting panda-themed activities, including birthday celebrations and the Panda Planet Immersive Experience – which is making its first stop outside China right here in Singapore.
Image credit: @markanthonylim89 via Instagram
Kai Kai and Jia Jia are the resident giant pandas at River Wonders, and no, they’re not siblings. They’re a mating pair on loan from China as part of a conservation and diplomatic partnership, and are also the parents of Le Le, Singapore’s first locally born giant panda cub.
Kai Kai is the male panda, born on 14th September 2007 in China. His name means “victorious”, which is quite a strong name for someone whose main public activity is eating bamboo and looking extremely relaxed.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Jia Jia, meanwhile, was born on 3rd September 2008. Her name means “beautiful”. The pair arrived in Singapore in September 2012 on an initial 10-year loan, which has since been extended till 2027. And as they’re set to return to China next year, this might be one of your last chances to see them in Singapore.
If you’ve needed a sign to head down to River Wonders, this is it. Jia Jia turned 18 on 3rd September, while Kai Kai will be turning 19 soon.
Visitors can catch their birthday celebrations in person at Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest, with Jia Jia’s celebration that took place on 5th September and Kai Kai’s upcoming one on 13th September at 12pm.
The pair will be tucking into specially made ice cakes and treat-filled enrichments, prepared by their care team. These are designed to encourage natural foraging behaviours while keeping the pandas mentally and physically engaged.
You might also spot their different personalities while you’re there. Kai Kai is known to enjoy munching on bamboo while lying on his back, while Jia Jia is clever, expressive, and very clear about what she likes.
Image credit: @ipandachannel via Instagram
Besides the birthday celebrations, River Wonders is also hosting the Panda Planet Immersive Experience from now until 14th September 2026. Presented by iPanda, a multimedia and live-broadcasting channel dedicated to giant pandas by CCTV.com, the exhibition is making its first stop outside China right here in Singapore.
The exhibition is located outside Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest and is open from 9am-6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm. Entry is included with River Wonders admission, so you can check it out during your park visit.
Image credit: @ipandachannel via Instagram
Visitors can expect interactive activities, panda-themed photo spots, conservation stories, and a chance to redeem exclusive iPanda merchandise.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The Panda Planet Immersive Experience is split into 3 themed zones, so there’s a bit more to explore beyond just looking at cute panda displays.
Step into the Giant Panda Science Zone first, where visitors can learn about the evolution, behaviours, and unique adaptations of giant pandas, as well as conservation efforts to protect the vulnerable species. It’s where you find out how these fluffy icons survive in the wild beyond simply eating bamboo and looking unbothered.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The Kai Kai & Jia Jia Birthday Zone is where fans can learn fun facts about the pair, plus get a special update on Le Le, Singapore’s first and only local-born giant panda cub. Le Le returned to China in January 2024 to join a conservation programme by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
There’s also the Panda Planet Immersive Experience: MR Experience Zone, which uses mixed reality to give visitors a glimpse into the pandas’ natural habitat, including a virtual bamboo forest.
Across the zones, you can take part in panda science trivia challenges, snap photos at panda-themed photo points, and stand a chance to redeem exclusive iPanda merchandise.
This is an easy one to add to the list this September school holiday, especially for families and anyone who has a soft spot for Kai Kai and Jia Jia. Both the Panda Planet Immersive Experience and birthday celebrations are included with River Wonders admission.
Plus, each ticket also comes with a $5 retail voucher and $5 F&B voucher, redeemable with a minimum spend of $20 at in-park shops and dining outlets across all parks. So if you’ve been planning a visit, there’s no better time.
Admission: From $35/adult | $26/child
Location: Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest, River Wonders, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Event date: Now till 14th September 2026
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Cover image adapted from: @markanthonylim89 via Instagram, Mandai Wildlife Reserve
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