Oct 15, 2024 · Bao Li’s grandparents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, arrived in D.C. in 2000 and lived at the National Zoo for nearly a quarter-century. Over the years, they welcomed the zoo’s first-ever...

It originates with First Lady Patricia Nixon’s mention of her fondness for the cute creatures while at a dinner with Chinese Premier Zhou Entai in Beijing in Feb. 1972. After the historic presidential visit, Premier Entai gifted two giant pandas to the American people as a gesture of goodwill.

Explore a detailed history and timeline of giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Get up to speed on the program that helped move pandas off the endangered species list.

On July 9, 2005, giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth to Tai Shan (pictured), the first surviving panda cub born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Pioneering science leads to the first successful births

Bao Li's Family Tree. Bao Li's Family Tree

Jan 24, 2025 · Shelly Tan grew up speaking Mandarin with her parents, who immigrated from China’s Hunan province, and attended Chinese school in her town. Mike Ruane has covered six pandas at the zoo, as well...

Nov 1, 2023 · In D.C., it can be tough to transcend the world of politics — unless you’re a giant panda. Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing arrived in Washington in 1972 as two cuddly, black-and-white olive branches...

Jan 13, 2025 · Pandas debut at DC's National Zoo. Here's how to visit, plus pro tips The new giant pandas debuted at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, and you can reserve your pass now.

Oct 15, 2024 · His grandparents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, lived at the National Zoo for nearly a quarter-century and welcomed the zoo’s first-ever surviving panda cubs, including his mother, Bao Bao.

Jan 23, 2025 · Well, on Friday, Bao Li (male) and Qing Bao (female), a pair of three-year old pandas, make their public debut (more photos below). They arrived in D.C. to much fanfare in October and National Zoo members were able to see them during a …