
Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell
Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and their cubs Xiao Qi Ji, Bei Bei, Bao Bao and Tai Shan, have brought joy to millions and created a living legacy of fans that spans multiple generations and countries. What’s more, they have made an immense impact on the care and conservation of giant pandas in human care and in the wild.
Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are preparing for their journey to China. Help us celebrate and say goodbye!
Honoring the terms of its agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will send the three pandas to China by early December 2023.
Join the Cele-bear-ation
Discover the series of special events happening on-site at the Zoo and online this fall. Plan your visit and reserve a free entry pass.
Panda Palooza is sponsored in part by The Boeing Company and entertainment by Events DC.
Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell
Join our nine-day celebration at the Zoo from September 23 to October 1, 2023, where audiences of all ages can enjoy a series of fun, family-friendly and conservation-forward events.
Share Your Panda Memories
Tell us your story! Share your panda experiences and read what others have said about these remarkable and beloved bears.
Buy Panda Merch
Rock your panda pride and get your paws on adorable commemorative limited-edition merchandise celebrating Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji!
How Much Do You Know About the Zoo’s Pandas?
The Official Giant Panda Fan Quiz
Calling all cubs! Take our kid-friendly quiz and see how much you know about these beloved bears!
The Super Ultimate Panda Fan Quiz
Are you an extreme panda fan? Try not to get bamboo-zled by this hardcore quiz featuring questions about the Zoo's past and present pandas.
50 Giant Panda Facts
Enjoy pawsome facts about the Zoo’s giant pandas and learn what makes these bears so special.
Legacy of Care and Conservation
Ever since these charismatic bears arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in 1972, animal care staff and scientists have studied giant panda biology, behavior, breeding, reproduction and disease.
Through the study and care of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their surviving cubs, the Zoo team and colleagues have made groundbreaking advances in reproductive science, healthcare, disease treatment and exponentially increased the understanding of panda behavior, biology and the mother-cub relationship.
After more than 25 years on the endangered species list, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the giant panda was downgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction.
The Zoo’s giant panda team has spent 51 years working with colleagues in China to advance conservation efforts for giant pandas in human care and in the wild. These collaborative efforts with Chinese partners directly contributed to this momentous conservation milestone. The Zoo remains committed to continuing its efforts to secure and safeguard a healthy future for giant pandas and their habitat.
Giant Panda Cam
From births and first steps to munching bamboo and playtime in the snow, the Zoo’s Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by Boeing, connects people across the globe to our giant pandas, helping inspire millions to care about the future of this majestic and charming species and its native habitat. Since its launch in 2011, the Giant Panda Cam has 100M+ pageviews.
Check out some of the best moments from the Giant Panda Cam.
Meet the Pandas
Tian Tian (pronounced “t-YEN t-YEN”), age 26
Mei Xiang (pronounced “may-SHONG”), age 25
Xiao Qi Ji (pronounced “SHIAU-chi-ji”), age 3
FAQ About the Departure
Why are the pandas leaving?
When can I come say goodbye? When will they leave?
Will the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute get pandas again?
Will the Giant Panda Cam be shut off when the pandas leave?
What farewell events will the Zoo be hosting?
Join our nine-day Panda Palooza in-person and online celebration from September 23 to October 1, 2023, where audiences of all ages can enjoy a series of fun, family-friendly and conservation-forward events.
I won’t be able to come to the Zoo before the end of the year. What do I do?
Say goodbye to the pandas virtually through the Zoo's Giant Panda Cam! The cam offers live, streaming video of the pandas from now until their departure.
Follow the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for special panda-related videos, photos and updates. Or subscribe to the Smithsonan National Zoo News e-newsletter for a special giant panda edition before the bears say farewell!
Is there a way I can share my panda memories?
Tell us your story! Share your panda experiences and read what others have said about these remarkable and beloved bears. Submit here.
You can also add share a memory about Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji by using the hashtag #PandaPalooza on social media.
Are giant pandas still endangered?
No. After more than 25 years on the endangered species list, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the giant panda was downgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction.
Although they are difficult to count in the wild, scientists believe there are about 1,864 individuals living in scattered populations in central China, along with several hundred more in human care. The largest threat to giant panda survival is habitat destruction.
The Zoo’s collaborative efforts with Chinese partners to conserve giant pandas in the wild and contributions to the science of building and growing healthy populations of giant pandas in human care over the past five decades directly contributed to this momentous conservation milestone.
Will the Smithsonian still help giant panda conservation efforts after the pandas leave?
I want to help giant pandas! What can I do?
Show Your Support
Make a gift to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in honor of Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji.
Or, consider becoming a Zoo member! When you pledge your support, you'll receive exclusive benefits like special opportunities to meet our Zoo residents, discounts at our stores and more.