Special Report

Pandamonium

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the top leaders in giant panda conservation

Highlights

Tian Tian playing in the snow. Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their son Xiao Qi Ji will return to China by December 7.

Why the National Zoo Is Saying Goodbye to Its Giant Pandas

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian on December 6, 2000, the day of their arrival in Washington, D.C.

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Revisit 51 Years of Pandas at the National Zoo

Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji experiences snow for the first time just beyond his indoor exhibit on Sunday. Though he did not venture further, his parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian played around outside.

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Watch Giant Pandas and Other Zoo Animals Frolic in the Snow

It's a boy! DNA taken from a cheek swab of the 3.6-pound giant panda cub confirms the animal's sex.

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Why It Takes a DNA Test to Determine a Panda Cub's Sex

The National Zoo's female panda Mei Xiang (above in 2019) is exhibiting signs of a possible pregnancy. These same behaviors could also mean she is experiencing a pseudopregnancy.

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14 Fun Facts About Giant Pandas

Latest News

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are two of the giant pandas who lived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in recent years. They were returned to China in November 2023.

More Giant Pandas Are Coming to the U.S. in a New Loan From China

Xiao Qi Ji (pictured) and his parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are leaving Washington, D.C. on November 8.

The National Zoo's Giant Pandas Bid Washington, D.C. Farewell

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian on December 6, 2000, the day of their arrival in Washington, D.C.

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Revisit 51 Years of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo, From Beloved Babies to Fun in the Snow

Tian Tian playing in the snow. Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their son Xiao Qi Ji will return to China by December 7.

Why the National Zoo Is Saying Goodbye to Its Giant Pandas

The remains likely belong to a Qinling panda rather than a Sichuan panda. Pictured: Qi Zai, a Qinling panda born in captivity

Fully Intact Giant Panda Skeleton Discovered in Chinese Emperor's 2,000-Year-Old Tomb

An illustration of A. nikolovi

These Extinct Pandas Once Roamed Bulgaria

Red pandas are classified as endangered and are legally protected in their home countries.

Before Seeing 'Turning Red,' Learn These Amazing Red Panda Facts

One year ago, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed Xiao Qi Ji—a precious giant panda born in the midst of a global pandemic.

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Watch Giant Panda Cub Eating Sweet Potatoes, Tumbling With Toys and Tasting Snow

Beginning next month, visitors will be able to meet baby panda cub Xiao Qi Ji in person.When the Zoo opens on May 21, visitors will be able to meet baby panda cub Xiao Qi Ji in person. But fair warning—he might be napping.

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Smithsonian Announces the Zoo and Seven Museums Open in May

January was a month full of firsts for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji. The growing bear played with enrichment toys, took his first bites of sweet potato and bamboo, and had his first encounter with snow!

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Giant Panda Cub Xiao Qi Ji's Best Moments—in Video

Learn More

Giant pandas put it all out there when calling out for love.

Giant Panda Mating Calls Say a Lot About Them

Bao Bao April 2015

Understanding Giant Pandas

Pandas Weren't Always Picky Eaters

Panda Habitat Is Severely Fragmented, Placing Pandas at Risk

People and Pandas

A 19th-century illustration published by Alphonse Milne-Edwards.

How America Fell in Love With the Giant Panda

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How to FedEx a Giant Panda

Don't be fooled by this roly-poly furball. These mischevious creatures need constant attention and round-the-clock care.

Why Photographing Pandas Is More Challenging Than You Might Think

On October 8, 2013, panda cub Bao Bao is examined by Zoo staff Juan Rodriguez and Brandie Smith.

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It’s Easy to Fall in Love With a Panda. But Do They Love Us Back?