Special Report

Pandamonium

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

Highlights

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.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Watch Giant Pandas and Other Zoo Animals Frolic in the Snow

The female giant panda Mei Xiang (pronounced may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), will return to China at the end of 2023 at the relatively elder panda ages of 25 and 26, respectively.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

The Zoo's Giant Pandas Will Stay in D.C. Through 2023

In the first days, Mei Xiang kept the cub mostly hidden, but a new photograph and video recently revealed the new arrival—born at 6:35 on August 21, 2020.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Giant Panda Mama Gives Birth to Baby Cub

The cub's new name is Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), or

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

The Zoo Announces Its New Panda Cub's Name

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

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

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.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

14 Fun Facts About Giant Pandas

The National Zoo shares favorite moments as curators and keepers train their expert eyes on the Giant Panda Cam, monitoring the young cub's first weeks.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Top 10 Giant Panda Cub Cam Moments

Latest News

Researchers recorded 38 instances of pandas covering themselves in horse manure between June 2016 and June 2017.

In Winter, Pandas Love to Roll in Horse Poop

Theresa Machemer

The female giant panda Mei Xiang (pronounced may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), will return to China at the end of 2023 at the relatively elder panda ages of 25 and 26, respectively.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Smithsonian's Giant Pandas Will Continue to Cavort for Three More Years

The cub's new name is Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), or "little miracle."

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

The National Zoo Reveals Its New Panda Cub's Name

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Pandamonium

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

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

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

Beth Py-Lieberman

The Zoo's one-month-old giant panda cub had its first veterinary exam over the weekend. Get the scoop from Laurie Thompson, assistant curator of giant pandas.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Check Out Pictures and Video of the Giant Panda Cub's First Veterinary Exam

The National Zoo shares favorite moments as curators and keepers train their expert eyes on the Giant Panda Cam, monitoring the young cub's first weeks.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Top 10 Giant Panda Cub Cam Moments

Michael Brown-Palsgrove, Laurie Thompson, Marty Dearie

Since late July, Mei Xiang has been sleeping more, eating less, nest-building and body-licking—all signs that she is preparing for a newborn.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Is There a New Baby Panda Due at the National Zoo?

Courtney Sexton

CT scan of a newborn panda cub.

Panda Bears Have Teeny Tiny Babies, and We Don't Know Why

Celebratory events are scheduled November 11 to 18 to wish Bei Bei, the giant panda, a Bon Voyage.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

National Zoo Says Bye Bye to Bei Bei

Andrea Michelson

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

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

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.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

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