Saving Giant Pandas
Adorable and iconic, giant pandas are a conservation success story celebrated by the entire world.
In addition to being beloved by millions, giant pandas are a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of China’s forest ecosystems.
Together with our partners, here’s how we’re working to conserve giant pandas and their native habitats:
Advancing Panda Health and Reproduction
We pioneered hormone monitoring techniques that reveal the short window when pandas can breed.
We refined artificial insemination methods, leading to the births of four healthy cubs at the Zoo since 2011.
We continue to develop new approaches to monitoring panda health to prevent and manage disease.
Studying Wild Panda Habitats in China
We conduct habitat surveys using camera traps to study panda behavior and movements in the wild.
We identify and prioritize wildlife corridors that reconnect fragmented forests, allowing pandas to roam freely.
We use satellite data and climate models to predict how habitats may shift, guiding future conservation strategies.
Training Colleagues and Partners
We have trained more than 1,500 Chinese conservationists, rangers, and students in panda care and habitat management.
We collaborate with colleagues in China to share knowledge on monitoring panda populations and studying their behavior.
We supported the decades of research and conservation that led to pandas being reclassified from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2016.
Connecting the World to Giant Pandas
We have provided world-class care for giant pandas at the Zoo since Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling arrived in 1972.
We connect millions of people worldwide through the Giant Panda Cam, where fans can watch pandas in real time.
We share free classroom resources that bring panda conservation and wildlife science to students across the U.S.
Our Research Centers
From our Zoo in Washington, D.C. to China’s mountain forests, our research centers combine science, education, and conservation to protect giant pandas — and many other endangered species.
Meet Our Scientists
Bill McShea
Bill is a wildlife ecologist studying how forests and grasslands can best support pandas and other species.
Melissa Songer
Melissa is a conservation biologist using advanced geospatial technology to protect endangered mammals in Asia.
Pierre Comizzoli
Pierre is an expert in fertility preservation and assisted reproduction, helping safeguard genetic diversity across species.