When and why did the National Zoo bring giant pandas back to Washington?
The Zoo’s two adult giant pandas arrived on December 6, 2000. Ever since the National Zoo received Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling from China in 1972 as part of President Nixon’s historic visit, scientists here have been leaders in the field of giant panda biology and conservation. The Zoo is continuing that leadership through research involving the new pandas and research in China that will help save giant pandas in the wild. Furthermore, giant pandas can inspire visitors to care for wildlife and threatened ecosystems around the world. They are ambassadors for conservation. What are their names? Mei Xiang (may SHONG), the female, means “beautiful fragrance” in Chinese. Tian Tian (t-YEN t-YEN), the male, means “more and more.” Their male cub, born on July 9, 2005, was named Tai Shan (tie SHON) by a public vote. His name means “peaceful mountain.” more How old are the pandas, and how much do they weigh? Mei Xiang was born on July 22, 1998, and Tian Tian was born on August 27, 1997. Mei Xiang
The Zoo’s two adult giant pandas arrived on December 6, 2000. Ever since the National Zoo received Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling from China in 1972 as part of President Nixon’s historic visit, scientists here have been leaders in the field of giant panda biology and conservation. The Zoo is continuing that leadership through research involving the new pandas and research in China that will help save giant pandas in the wild. Furthermore, giant pandas can inspire visitors to care for wildlife and threatened ecosystems around the world. They are ambassadors for conservation. What are their names? Mei Xiang (may SHONG), the female, means “beautiful fragrance” in Chinese. Tian Tian (t-YEN t-YEN), the male, means “more and more.” Their male cub, born on July 9, 2005, was named Tai Shan (tie SHON) by a public vote. His name means “peaceful mountain.” He left the Zoo for China on February 4, 2010. more How old are the pandas, and how much do they weigh? Mei Xiang was born on July 22, 1998, and Ti
