Spain's Madrid Zoo Aquarium held a series of celebration on Saturday for the fifth birthday of its two giant pandas, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, drawing crowds of visitors eager to share in the occasion.

Jin Xi, a male panda, and female Zhu Yu, both born in 2020, arrived in April of last year at the zoo following the renewal of its agreement for giant panda protection with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. According to the agreement, the pandas will remain in Spain for a period of ten years.

The celebration featured a specially crafted birthday cake made of the pandas' favorite treats, including fresh bamboo and watermelon.

"Many people are drawn to the zoo specifically because we have the lovely pandas, Zhu Yu and Jin Xi. We hope they will continue to live at our zoo, and we also hope to maintain our excellent cooperative relationship with the Chinese government," said Enrique Perez, director of the Madrid Zoo.

Visitors at the zoo have also expressed their affection for the animals.

"Our whole family came to the Madrid Zoo today because we have a special affection for giant pandas. On this special day, we hope to be here in person to give the pandas our best wishes," said Juan, a zoo visitor.

"We really hope to go to China one day to see the giant pandas for ourselves, to see what they are like living in their habitat," said Oscar, another visitor.

In addition, Chinese performers delivered a wonderful acrobatic show in honor of the occasion.

Giant pandas are known as "cultural ambassadors" of China to the world. Since the 1990s, China has carried out joint protection research initiatives with 26 institutions from 20 countries and successfully bred over 60 giant panda cubs.