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Latest Panda News

Bei Bei in his hammock at the Bifengxia Panda Base.
Nov. 27, 2019
Bei Bei is settling in at his new home in China at the Bifengxia panda base. He did very well on the FedEx Panda Express and spent most of the 16-hour trip eating and sleeping.
a keeper feeds a giant panda bamboo in a crate
Nov. 19, 2019
Bei Bei the 4-year-old giant panda, began his journey to China on Nov. 19, 2019.
Sept. 8, 2019: Giant panda cub Bei Bei at 2 weeks old.
Nov. 08, 2019
Giant panda Bei Bei knows how to work his angles! Check out some of our favorite snaps of this remarkably photogenic bear from the past four years.
Giant panda Bei Bei stands in the branches of a tree green with foliage
Nov. 08, 2019
As we prepare to bid giant panda Bei Bei a fond farewell, we’re taking a look back at some favorite milestones and memorable moments from his time at the Zoo.
Bei Bei in the Sun
Nov. 08, 2019
Follow a day in the life of the Smithsonian's National Zoo's giant panda keepers as they care for Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bei Bei. 
Giant panda Bei Bei munches on a stalk of bamboo.
Nov. 07, 2019
Media Advisory: Giant panda Bei Bei departs for China Nov. 19.
Giant panda Bei Bei munches on a stalk of bamboo.
Oct. 18, 2019
Giant panda Bei Bei will depart the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China Tuesday, Nov. 19. 
giant panda bei bei holds a stick of bamboo and prepares to take a bite
Oct. 18, 2019
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about giant panda Bei Bei's departure from the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Mei Xiang sitting in grass eating bamboo.
Sep. 11, 2019
Reproductive scientists, veterinarians and animal keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute have determined that giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) will not give birt... read more
Giant panda Bei Bei sitting in his hammock.
Aug. 20, 2019
Giant panda Bei Bei will receive a panda-friendly frozen cake specially made by the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition Science.           
Bei Bei resting on a limb of a tree.
Aug. 20, 2019
By the end of August Bei Bei will be another year older! He will receive a panda-friendly frozen cake specially made by the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition Science to celebrate during the morning of Aug... read more
Giant panda Mei Xiang sleeping on a rock inside the panda house.
Aug. 07, 2019
Scientists, veterinarians and keepers have been monitoring Mei Xiang closely for the past several months to determine if she is pregnant or experiencing a pseudopregnancy. 
Giant panda Bei Bei sitting in his outdoor hammock.
Jul. 17, 2019
During the past several weeks, Bei Bei has been experiencing some gastrointestinal discomfort which has caused him to pass several mucous stools and loose stools. 
giant panda mei xiang in her yard
Jul. 12, 2019
Keepers are still waiting to find out if giant panda Mei Xiang is pregnant. She has not started exhibiting many behaviors associated with the secondary hormone rise of a pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. 
A group of guests pose for a photo at the Smithsonian's National Zoo's ZooFari event
Jun. 28, 2019
Make the most of your time out of the office with a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!
Mei Xiang eating a fruitsicle.
May. 20, 2019
Roughly a month and a half after Mei Xiang’s artificial insemination, things at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat are settling into their regular routine. 
A life-sized animatronic T. Rex.
May. 14, 2019
Listed below are events being held June through August as part of the “Dino Summer” experience at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Giant panda Mei Xiang sits in the grass eating bamboo in her outdoor habitat at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Mar. 29, 2019
A team of reproductive scientists, veterinarians and panda keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute performed an artificial insemination on giant panda Mei Xiang (m... read more
giant panda mei xiang in her yard
Mar. 21, 2019
On March 15, Mei Xiang started exhibiting behavioral signs that breeding season is approaching!
A black-and-white photo from 1899 of a group of schoolchildren looking at an American bison at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Mar. 01, 2019
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was created in 1889 and opened its doors in 1891. To celebrate its 130th anniversary, look back at how the Zoo has evolved through the years.
Giant panda Bei Bei sits in a hammock eating a special ice cake treat during the Panda House Warming Celebration at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Feb. 23, 2019
On Feb. 23, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China hosted a housewarming party, sponsored by Airbnb, to celebrate the new e... read more
Giant panda Bei Bei in the snow.
Feb. 20, 2019
Snow in Washington, D.C. today, Feb. 20, brought out the playful side of the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. 
Giant panda Tian Tian plays in the snow.
Feb. 14, 2019
You’re invited to a housewarming celebration! The new visitor interpretive exhibit in the panda house is finished and we would love for everyone to come visit and see it.
Giant panda Tian Tian plays in the snow.
Feb. 14, 2019
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China will host a housewarming, sponsored by Airbnb, to celebrate the new exhibit for visitors inside the panda house. 
Giant panda sitting in the snow
Jan. 30, 2019
The shutdown didn’t shutdown giant panda playtime! During the past three-and-a-half weeks Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bei Bei have carried on with their daily routines.