Washington D.C., U.S.A.

National Zoo

The 163-acre Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Rock Creek Park was established by an Act of Congress in 1889 "for advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people." It is a world leader in exhibition, conservation, zoological research, and education. The National Zoo is home to more than 5800 animals. It was the first zoo established with the purpose of saving animals on the brink of extinction. Today, nearly 130 of the Zoo's species are endangered or threatened. The Zoo participates in 40 of the 70 Species Survival Plans coordinated by the American Zoological Association to ensure the survival in zoos of populations of endangered species.

Giant Pandas in Washington D.C.

National Zoo has 3 giant pandas: Mei Xiang, Tian Tian & Tai Shan

A new giant panda couple for DC

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are the National Zoo's second pair of giant pandas. The first were Ling Ling (1972-1992) and Hsing Hsing (1972-1999). They arrived at the new Fujifilm Giant Panda Conservation Habitat on December 6, 2000. Under an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, both giant pandas are on a 10-year loan to the National Zoo, where they will be the focus of an ambitious panda research, conservation and breeding program designed to preserve this endangered species.

Tian Tian

Tian Tian (male) was born on August 27, 1997 at the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong. His name means "more and more" in Chinese. Tian Tian has black "knee socks". The black band across his shoulders narrows in the middle, and he has two black dots across the bridge of his nose.

Mei Xiang (female) was born on July 22, 1998 at the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong. Her name means "beautiful fragnance" in Chinese. Mei Xiang has black "stockings". The black band across her shoulders is wider in the middle, and she has a pale black bar across the bridge of her nose.

Tai Shan

Tai Shan (male) was born on July 9, 2005 at the National Zoo. He is the first pandacub to survive at the National Zoo. His name means "peaceful mountain" in Chinese. His father is Tian Tian and his mother is Mei Xiang.

History of Giant Pandas in Washington D.C.

Ling Ling

Ling Ling (female) arrived at the National Zoo on April 17, 1972 with Hsing Hsing. They were a goodwill gift from the Chinese Government to the president of the United States of America, Richard Nixon. She died on December 30, 1992.

Hsing Hsing

Hsing Hsing (male) was born approximately in 1971. He arrived in the National Zoo, Washington D.C. on April 17, 1972 with Ling Ling. They were a goodwill gift from the Chinese Government to the president of the United States of America, Richard Nixon. Hsing Hsing had testicular cancer in April 1997. In May 1999 he had a kidney disease. The National Zoo euthanized him on November 28, 1999.

Cubs

Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing had 5 cubs.

In July 1983, their first cub was born. It died after a few hours from pneumonia.

In 1984, Ling Ling gave birth to a stilborn cub.

In 1987 twins were born. The first died immediately, the second after 4 days from a bacterial infection.

In 1989, Ling Ling gave birth for the last time. This cub died after a few days from an infection.