Special Report

Pandamonium

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the top leaders in giant panda conservation

Qing Bao means “green” and “treasure” in Mandarin. Now 3, she and partner Bao Li are expected to be guests of the zoo through 2034.

National Zoo

Highlights

Male giant panda Bao Li plays on a wooden climbing structure. Beginning on January 24, visitors to the National Zoo can finally see Bao Li and Qing Bao in person.

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The National Zoo's Giant Pandas Are Finally Making Their Public Debut

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian on December 6, 2000, the day of their arrival in Washington, D.C.

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Revisit 51 Years of Pandas at the National Zoo

Giant panda Qing Bao investigates a tree in her habitat at the Zoo’s Asia Trail. Keepers take introductions at a slow pace so the animals feel comfortable.

VOICES

How Can You Tell the National Zoo's Giant Pandas Apart?

The National Zoo's female panda Mei Xiang (above in 2019) is exhibiting signs of a possible pregnancy. These same behaviors could also mean she is experiencing a pseudopregnancy.

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14 Fun Facts About Giant Pandas

NATIONAL TREASURE

The Giant Panda Steals Hearts (and Bamboo) at the National Zoo

Latest News

One of the ceremonial double ikat textiles acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in 2024

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Eleven Fascinating Acquisitions That Joined the Smithsonian’s Vast Collections in 2024

Qing Bao, a 3-year-old female, is one of two giant pandas making the long journey from China to Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian National Zoo's New Giant Pandas Will Make Their Public Debut on January 24

Yun Chuan is "serious about his bamboo but mild-mannered toward others," according to the San Diego Zoo.

Two Pandas Arrive at the San Diego Zoo, the First to Enter the U.S. in 21 Years

Bao Li, a 2-year-old male, is the son of Bao Bao, who was born at the Zoo in 2013.

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Giant Pandas Are Coming Back to Washington, D.C.

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are two of the giant pandas who lived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in recent years. They were returned to China in November 2023.

More Giant Pandas Are Coming to the U.S. in a New Loan From China

Xiao Qi Ji (pictured) and his parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are leaving Washington, D.C. on November 8.

The National Zoo's Giant Pandas Bid Washington, D.C. Farewell

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian on December 6, 2000, the day of their arrival in Washington, D.C.

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Revisit 51 Years of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo, From Beloved Babies to Fun in the Snow

Tian Tian playing in the snow. Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their son Xiao Qi Ji will return to China by December 7.

Why the National Zoo Is Saying Goodbye to Its Giant Pandas

The remains likely belong to a Qinling panda rather than a Sichuan panda. Pictured: Qi Zai, a Qinling panda born in captivity

Fully Intact Giant Panda Skeleton Discovered in Chinese Emperor's 2,000-Year-Old Tomb

An illustration of A. nikolovi

These Extinct Pandas Once Roamed Bulgaria

Learn More About the Species

Giant pandas put it all out there when calling out for love.

Giant Panda Mating Calls Say a Lot About Them

Bao Bao in April 2015

Understanding Giant Pandas

Pandas Weren't Always Picky Eaters

Panda Habitat Is Severely Fragmented, Placing Pandas at Risk

People and Pandas

A 19th-century illustration published by Alphonse Milne-Edwards.

How America Fell in Love With the Giant Panda

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How to FedEx a Giant Panda

Don't be fooled by this roly-poly furball. These mischevious creatures need constant attention and round-the-clock care.

Why Photographing Pandas Is More Challenging Than You Might Think

On October 8, 2013, panda cub Bao Bao is examined by Zoo staff Juan Rodriguez and Brandie Smith.

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It’s Easy to Fall in Love With a Panda. But Do They Love Us Back?