Explore a detailed history and timeline of giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Giant panda Bei Bei (pictured) was born Aug. 22, 2015, at the Zoo’s David M.
From the moment his hearty squeal heralded his arrival, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji became one of the most beloved bears on the planet. Celebrate with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo as we look back at how this curious cub and his adorable antics have inspired the conservationist in all of us.
when traveling up or down the rockwork—more so than siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao or Bei
As the calendar turns to 2021, it is human nature to reflect on the moments that sparked inspiration in an otherwise challenging year. Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji gave many who follow his milestones a reason to smile.
displeasure with this noise, but neither did his older siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei
Enjoy these 50 facts about giant pandas in honor of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Giant Panda 50th Anniversary Celebration.
survived to adulthood: Tai Shan (male born in 2005), Bao Bao (female born in 2013), Bei
Giant pandas are native to central China and have come to symbolize vulnerable species. As few as 1,864 giant pandas live in their native habitat, while another 600 pandas live in zoos and breeding centers around the world.
resulted in successful births: male Tai Shan in 2005, female Bao Bao in 2013, male Bei
Guess who is four weeks old today! After 28 days of devoted care from mother Mei Xiang, our giant panda cub is growing into the species’ signature “plump.”
Following Bao Bao (b. 2013) and Bei Bei’s (b. 2015) births, she took her first taste
Celebrate giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s birthday—and Zoo Guardians’ first anniversary—with giant panda keeper and real-life Zoo Guardian, Nicole MacCorkle!
and their four cubs: male Tai Shan (born 2005), female Bao Bao (born 2013), male Bei
January was a month full of firsts for the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji. The growing bear played with his first enrichment toys, sampled his first sweet potato, took his first bite of bamboo, let fans into his habitat during his first livestream and experienced his first encounter with snow! Through each of these milestones, giant panda assistant curator Laurie Thompson and keepers Marty Dearie and Mariel Lally helped keep fans at home connected to our cub.
when traveling up or down the rockwork—more so than siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao or Bei
As we celebrate the birth of our newest giant panda cub, take a look back at our top 10 favorite moments from the cub’s first two weeks, as seen on the Panda Cam!
In previous years, Bao Bao and Bei Bei would vocalize when she attempted to lie down
One year ago, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed Xiao Qi Ji—a precious giant panda born in the midst of a global pandemic. As the giant panda team prepares to celebrate his first birthday Aug. 21, take a look back at his top 12 milestones that left panda fans around the world in awe and ‘aww.’
Much like his siblings Tai Shan, Bao Bao and Bei Bei were during their first outings
