Zoo

Mei Xiang (left) and Tian Tian (right) via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Giant pandas, icons and ambassadors for the efforts to save the species in Washington, D.C., since 1972, will continue to live at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo through the end of 2023. The three-year agreement extension signed by Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and China Wildlife and Conservation Association (CWCA) is effective through Dec. 7, 2023.

The terms of the agreement extension are similar to previous agreements. Cub Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), born at the Zoo Aug. 21, female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG), age 22, and male giant panda Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), age 23, will go to China at the end of the three-year agreement extension.”

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“If you tuned in to the Giant Panda Cam on Thanksgiving, you may have spotted a very special moment. At 3 months and 5 days old, Xiao Qi Ji took his first steps! That morning, he rested just outside the den while his mother Mei Xiang slept inside. After months of practice, he positioned all four feet beneath him and took a few wobbly steps toward her before toppling over.”

To the video! (more…)

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“After five days of voting and just under 135,000 votes, the winning name is Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), which translates as “little miracle” in English.”

To the video: (more…)

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Ed. Note: Last chance to Vote for the Baby Panda’s name and last chance to visit the zoo for a bit, too.

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Tomorrow, Nov. 21, marks three months to the day that he was born. Two days later, Nov. 23, he will receive his name–thanks to your votes.

This week, our cub tipped the scales at 10.4 pounds (4.72 kilograms). From the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, he measured 22 inches long (56 centimeters). His abdominal girth measured 18.1 inches (46 centimeters).”

To the video: (more…)

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Our newest giant panda needs a name, and you are invited to help choose a name for our little guy! The birth of this cub, and watching him grow, has offered the world a much-needed moment of joy during the pandemic. The possible names — chosen by the Zoo and Chinese partners who strive to conserve this beloved bear — reflect the happiness we share for this cub. Select your favorite name once per day from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20. The name that receives the most votes will be bestowed on the cub Nov. 23!”

The options are: (more…)

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“…When he attempts to stand, he can get three legs underneath him momentarily, but has not yet been successful at balancing on all four feet at once. Practice makes perfect, though, and the cub will be walking very soon! (more…)

via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“He barked at the sound of our laughter, then promptly fell asleep. He weighed 8.4 pounds (3.84 kilograms)–nearly a pound more than last week. From the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, he measured 20.4 inches long (52 centimeters). His abdominal girth measured 18.5 inches, up from 17 inches last week. His tail, which was a quarter of his body length at birth, is 2.3 inches long (6 centimeters), or one-eighth his body length.”

To the video: (more…)

Photo via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“On Saturday, our giant panda family got into the Halloween spirit, thanks to the talented team in our Department of Nutrition Sciences. They whipped up some not-so-spooky “snack-o-lantern” treats for male Tian Tian and female Mei Xiang made of shredded carrots, applesauce and diluted apple juice pressed into a pumpkin using a Jack-O-Lantern-shaped mold. Keepers presented our 10-week-old cub with a pumpkin as well. Many of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s animals receive pumpkins as a fun enrichment item on Halloween because it gives them something new to smell, touch and investigate.”

To the video! (more…)