Have you ever wondered if animals know it’s their birthday? Sadly, they don’t understand the idea of a birthday like we do. But that doesn’t stop us from celebrating their special day anyway! After all, every living creature deserves to feel loved and appreciated. Luckily, zoo and aquarium staff go the extra mile to make sure their animal friends get the sweetest birthday moments.

These adorable celebrations often find their way to social media, capturing hearts everywhere. One such moment was when a giraffe looked totally surprised as the zookeepers sang “Happy Birthday” just for her. And then there’s Rhu, a clouded leopard who had her own special day in March, marking her 11th birthday. The staff made sure her celebration was unforgettable. You can even watch it yourself in the video below!
Meet Rhu – The Clouded Leopard with the Sweetest Birthday Surprise

Rhu, short for Rhubarb (yes, just like the pie!), has the cutest backstory for her name. She was born on Pi Day, so it only made sense to name her after a pie. Even though there was no real pie served at her party, Rhu had a blast with the surprises planned just for her. Instead of a regular birthday cake, she got something even better—an “ice cake.” Now, while that might not sound exciting for us humans, it was the perfect treat for this wild beauty.
The staff didn’t stop there. They decorated her space with love and care, and Rhu seemed to truly enjoy the little details. She even took a moment to admire the decorations made just for her. What made it even more special was the love surrounding her—she was celebrated by the people who care deeply for her every single day.
The video of Rhu’s birthday quickly touched many hearts online. One person commented, “[Be right back], crying,” while another added, “Happy birthday girlie! It’s clear how much your team loves you.” And there was no shortage of well wishes, with someone else writing, “Happy Birthday Rhu! May you have many more birthdays in the future!”
It’s moments like these that remind us just how much animals are cherished, not just by us but by the people who work closely with them every day. Happy 11th, Rhu!