Giant panda News

On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Several inches of snowfall kept the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute closed to visitors, but the animals and their caretakers still had a good time!

This year was filled with incredible and heartwarming stories about the animals and the people who care for them. Enjoy a look back at some of the amazing things that happened this year.

Take a look behind the scenes as animal care teams provide an endless bamboo buffet to the Zoo's new giant pandas.

A few weeks after their arrival, staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at Asia Trail.

Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) Tuesday, Oct. 15

David M. Rubenstein has pledged $10 million toward the Zoo’s $25 million campaign to fund the giant panda conservation program.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will welcome a new pair of giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, by the end of the year.

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are settling in nicely in their new home at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda’s ShenShuPing Campus.

Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji touched down at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after a 19-hour, 9,000 mile flight from Washington, D.C.

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji began their journey to China on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

Presentation of panda-friendly fruitsicle cakes to beloved giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji in celebration of Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell event.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) will celebrate its three giant pandas before the bears depart for China later this year. Visitors are invited to join the Panda Palooza, a nine-day onsite and online series of events.

Are you an extreme panda fan? Try not to get bamboo-zled by this hardcore quiz!

Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Tian Tian’s 26th birthday with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake.

This morning, Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Xiao Qi Ji’s third birthday at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo will celebrate "miracle cub" Xiao Qi Ji's 3rd birthday on Monday, Aug. 21.

Why is giant panda Mei Xiang sleeping for longer periods, eating less and denning? After going into estrus this spring, months later, she's experiencing a pseudopregnancy—even though she did not breed! Learn more from curator Michael Brown-Palsgrove.

Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., celebrated giant panda Mei Xiang’s 25th birthday.

Whether you’re a human or a giant panda, nothing beats a frozen treat on a hot summer day! Learn how to eat like a panda with this refreshing recipe.

How do you train a panda to voluntarily participate in blood draws and other medical exams? By building the bears’ trust and rewarding their participation with treats!

Xiao QI Ji is stepping out on his own! Our 2.5-year-old giant panda has been playing, eating and sleeping by himself lately—behaviors that indicate he’s ready for independence.

The winter winds may blow chilly and cold, but they also bring out the sillies in our giant panda cub. The frisky 2.5-year-old tumbled around his outdoor habitat and showed off his unique somersault style.

Recently, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji has been exploring his new habitat with his mother, Mei Xiang, by his side. Get the latest update from keeper Mariel Lally.

Who’s black, white and ready to paw-ty? As part of the Pandaversary celebration, Asia Trail keepers threw a bearthday fête fit for our beloved giant panda family.