For Release: January 28, 2008
Contact:
Lainie Contreras 
(202) 633-3082
Pamela Baker-Masson (202) 633-3084
National Zoo Panda Cub Undergoes Physical Exam
Tai Shan (tie-SHON), the two-and-a-half-year-old giant panda at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, received his first-ever comprehensive physical exam today, Mon., Jan. 28. Tai Shan was anesthetized earlier this morning and brought to the Zoo’s hospital, where staff veterinarians, joined by a veterinary dentist and a veterinary cardiologist, performed a thorough routine health exam. Veterinarians say Tai Shan, who weighs 157 pounds, is in excellent health.
After the exam, Tai Shan was returned to his indoor enclosure at the National Zoo’s Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat to recover from the anesthesia. Animal care staff expect that he will be back on exhibit in his outdoor yard tomorrow, Jan. 29. His parents, Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), will remain on exhibit throughout this time.
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