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Purchase Panda Cam, a book with images of Tai Shan's first seven months, at the National Zoo Store.
Tai Shan's Fourth Birthday
July 9, 2009
Tai Shan officially celebrated his fourth birthday this morning—complete with singing, guests, and a massive, three-tiered “veggie-sicle” cake. The frozen masterpiece was made over the course of two weeks by Zoo commissary staff by freezing a combination of water, beets, and beet juice while enhancing it with bamboo and fruit. Tai quickly took to the frozen treat, licking at the ice, spotting his furry face with the melting beet juice.
Tai Shan is on the cusp of adulthood; at age four, he is considered a teenager in “bear years.” 
See his birthday wishes from fans around the world.
See photos of Tai Shan and a video about the making of the "cake."
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