From the second half of 2022 to the first half of 2023, a total of 324 newborn cubs were born at Xihong Zoo.
On average, a newborn cub was born in the park every day.
The cub meet-and-greet was a large fan event specifically organized by Yang Lin for these cubs born within the last year.
It allowed these second-generation animals and tourists to get acquainted, while also promoting new merchandise.
Time came to May 13th, the first Saturday after May Day.
As soon as Xihong Zoo opened its gates, a large number of long-waiting tourists entered the park through the self-service ticket gates.
Upon entering the park, they saw various event decorations.
Hot air balloons, promotional posters, banners, and character plushies of each cub.
Dominating the center stage were the brothers Bao and Fu, who had only recently arrived at Xihong Zoo.
Following them were the Haier Brothers, a mammoth cub.
Every time a cub plushie appeared, it drew excited gazes from a large number of tourists.
It was no exaggeration to say that except for Bao and Fu, who were newcomers, the other animal cubs were watched growing up by these tourists, fostering a parental-like affection.
As they looked around, a large activity area in the center of the free-roaming zone came into view.
This was where the animal cubs born within the last year would meet the tourists.
By 9:00 AM, the initially sparse crowd of tourists had filled the area surrounding the venue.
At the same time, a burst of exciting music suddenly began to play.
Hearing the music, the tourists, who had been chatting amongst themselves, all turned their attention to the central stage.
"It's starting, it's starting! Who will be the first to appear today?"
"I don't know, but I think it will be in order of birth."
"I think it will be ranked by popularity."
"Stop guessing, they're already coming out over there."
...
Before the crowd could reach a consensus, a large white bear, guided by a zookeeper, slowly walked towards the center of the stage.
With the appearance of the white bear, all eyes were instantly drawn to it.
Some tourists who rarely visited widened their eyes.
"This... isn't this a cub meet-and-greet? Is something this big considered a cub?"
"This is clearly an adult polar bear."
"It's bigger than me, are you sure this is a cub?"
...
It was no wonder these first-time visitors were so shocked; the white bear on stage was simply too massive.
Even on all fours, it stood over a meter tall and measured two meters from front to back.
Its weight must have been at least half a ton, such a behemoth should not have been there.
Just as these new tourists were in utter astonishment, some of the older, familiar visitors excitedly shouted out.
"Xiao Hei!"
"Look here, Xiao Hei!"
"Auntie brought you honey!"
...
Under the enthusiastic cheers of the tourists, the white bear on stage suddenly stood up.
The next moment, to the gasps of the front-row tourists, it actively extended its large paw and high-fived them one by one around the stage, accepting everything the tourists offered.
At the same time, information about it appeared on the large screen on stage.
[Name: Li Hei]
[Species: Asian Black Bear - Albino Variant]
[Date of Birth: October 27, 2022]
[Current Residence: Gou Xiong Ling]
Seeing this, many tourists showed expressions of sudden realization.
"So it's him, he was trending on hot searches when he was born last year, I didn't expect him to grow so big."
"His name was apparently chosen by netizens too."
"Good heavens, born in November last year, and he's only 7 months old now. You're telling me he grew this big in 7 months?"
"This is nothing, there's an even bigger one coming later."
"There's more?"
...
After more than seven months, Li Hei, the albino cub that was once only the size of a puppy, had grown into a behemoth even larger than his parents under the excellent conditions of Xihong Zoo.
Despite having the bloodline of an Asian black bear, he was larger than a polar bear.
More importantly, he was still in his developmental stage and had not yet officially reached adulthood.
After Li Hei finished his meet-and-greet, the second baby to meet the tourists was soon revealed.
When this second animal baby appeared on stage, the tourists, who had just calmed down, erupted in excitement again.
This time, it was a magnificent white tiger whose size was in no way inferior to Li Hei's.
Under the gaze of countless eyes, a ferocious white tiger, exuding a powerful tiger aura, with a shoulder height of nearly 1.5 meters, a body length of nearly 3 meters, a head as large as a basin, and limbs thicker than an adult's thigh, walked step by step towards the center of the stage.
Its pale yellow tiger eyes, coupled with the narrow scar above its right eye, made it look ferociously menacing.
Ordinary people would not dare to meet its gaze.
Yet, such a tiger, capable of swatting Wu Song to death, did not instill any fear in the tourists. Instead, it evoked a strange sense of familiarity.
For no other reason than the fact that they had watched this tiger grow up.
As the tourists were delighted by its appearance, the large tiger on stage let out a thunderous roar.
Its imposing presence was only slightly inferior to Hua Dajie's.
The second it finished roaring, the entire venue erupted in warm applause.
On the other side, the stage screen displayed its relevant information.
[Name: Da Mi]
[Species: Albino Bengal Tiger]
[Date of Birth: November 4, 2022]
[Current Residence: Tiger Garden, Xihong Zoo. Currently on a business trip and studying at the Guilin Branch]
As cubs born at the end of 2022, both Da Mi's fame and growth rate far surpassed Li Hei's.
In its early years, it roamed freely around the park and was later sent by the park director for further training, enduring many hardships along the way.
Although only 7 months old, it already possessed all the characteristics of an adult tiger.
Combined with the animation "Little Tiger Returns Home" being aired on major platforms, it had become the number one among the second-generation animals at Xihong Zoo.
Many second-generation animals aspired to be like it.
However, due to being too arrogant recently, it was sent by Yang Lin to the Guilin Branch as a manager, so many tourists had not seen it for a long time.
Compared to the enthusiastic Li Hei, Da Mi was much more aloof. After letting out a roar, it quickly retreated from the stage, leaving behind an arrogant silhouette.
Following it were the four clouded leopard siblings. Now half-grown, they had lost some of their youthful cuteness and gained a more mature composure.
As tourists continuously took out their phones and other filming equipment to take pictures, the fifth animal cub officially made its entrance.
When this animal cub appeared, most of the tourists showed confused expressions.
Because they seemed unsure of the identity of the animal before them.