“I think panda-monium is going to break out right here at the National Zoo,” (*50*) Nixon mentioned jokingly at the arrival celebration on April 16.
Nixon was proper. People from the Washington space and throughout the nation stood in lengthy strains to see Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing. Not solely have been they cute, however in addition they had a compelling story: The species wanted assist as a result of the quantity of wild pandas in China was declining as a consequence of habitat loss and different issues.
Fans hoped the pair would produce cubs, they usually did. But none of the newborns — who’re the dimension of a stick of butter — survived longer than a couple of days.
Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing spent many years at the zoo, dying there in previous age in 1992 and 1999.
The Smithsonian wished to proceed studying about pandas and educating the public about the endangered species. The Chinese authorities supplied to lend a male panda and a feminine panda for $1 million per yr. The zoo agreed, and Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN) and Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) arrived in December 2000. The two immediately turned the hottest animals at the zoo.
Panda-watchers grew much more excited in 2005 when Mei Xiang gave beginning to Tai-Shan (tie-SHAN) in 2005. Each cub milestone turned a news story. Sadly, Tai couldn’t keep at the zoo. Pandas born there have been required to be despatched to a breeding program in China, so in 2010 the metropolis mentioned farewell to its much-loved cub.
Mei finally had three extra wholesome cubs: Bei Bei (Bay Bay), Bao Bao (rhymes with wow wow) — who each moved to China — and Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), who continues to be at the zoo. Xiao Qi Ji was referred to as “little miracle” as a result of his mother turned the second-oldest large panda recognized to provide beginning when he was born in 2020.
The National Zoo has deliberate a “pandaversary” April 16 and 17 to mark 50 years of large pandas in Washington. The occasion will embody dance performances, scientist talks, showings of a brand new panda documentary and treats for Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji.
In the previous 50 years, the large panda story has turn out to be extra hopeful. Thanks to conservation efforts in China and zoos worldwide, the species has moved from endangered to threatened, a less-worrisome class. Those inquisitive about seeing pandas in particular person ought to go to the National Zoo earlier than December 2023. China has determined that every one three pandas will depart Washington at the moment, and there’s no plan to ship extra. It may very well be a brand new period for the species — one spent largely at dwelling.