Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

[Penelope99]

Tian Tian is happy!!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623

[Kris G.]

Tian Tian is happy!!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35392623

       I love watching Pandas in the snow! 

[Kris G.]

Bei Bei has recently been given access to the outdoor enclosures and loves climbing the trees.  He got into a little trouble this AM and momma came to the rescue or maybe she just wanted him down from the high tree!

http://youtu.be/5OK5OCk34fM

[Tapper Gal]

OH, OH!!   He has gone for that tree before but this is first time I saw his attempt at climbing.He is going to be a challenge for his mama.  Thanks for the post.

[Kris G.]

Playtime with mom!

http://youtu.be/Xe58kqxDgGAb

[Dumpsterkitty]

CHENGDU -- Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the United States, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010.

He mated with Wen Yu, two years his junior, on Friday morning at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan province.

Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2-minute-6-second mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner.

 

[Kris G.]

CHENGDU -- Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the United States, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010.

He mated with Wen Yu, two years his junior, on Friday morning at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan province.

Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2-minute-6-second mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner.

 

                   I saw the video this AM.   

[Bobbie Ireland]

Is there NO chance of privacy around here!!

[Kris G.]

Panda cub, Bei Bei, is recovering from successful emergency bowel surgery today!

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-cub-bei-bei-recovering-successful-bowel-surgery

[Tapper Gal]

Wishing Bei Bei a speedy and safe recovery. 

[Kris G.]

Bei Bei update.  

#BeiBei is bright, alert and responsive to animal care staff.  Turns out sweet potato is a great way to deliver his medications which include antibiotics and antacid.  Bei Bei is successfully nursing and eating apple and softened biscuits in addition to the sweet potatoes. Keepers continue to shift Mei Xiang away from Bei Bei for her meals as bamboo is still too hard for him to digest. During this period of recovery, nursing provides some extra comfort. However,  it’s important to note that Bei Bei relies very little on milk from Mei Xiang and gets most of his nutrition from solid foods. The panda house remains closed to give Mei Xiang and Bei Bei peace and quiet during treatment and recovery. Tune into the panda cams to see Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bao Bao explore their outdoor yards. Thank you for your support and well wishes!

[AlisonL]

This morning's update:

#BeiBei continues to recover and gobbled up his medicine this morning cleverly hidden in sweet potato. He has a bare bear belly but his fur is already growing back where his abdomen was shaved for the surgery. During the day Mei Xiang spends large blocks of time in the yard eating bamboo while Bei Bei rests and sleeps inside—very important for the healing process.

Very glad he is doing so well!

[Kris G.]

Bao Bao leaves for China on Feb. 21st. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/saying-bye-bye-to-bao-bao-the-panda/2017/02/10/31bbb0fc-efb0-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_video.html

[Tapper Gal]

Happy Travels Home,Bao Bao.  You will be missed!!!

[Kris G.]

Bao Bao has arrived at Chengdu via a FedEx jet.  Long video of her arrival including an interview with her Vet and Keeper who accompanied her on her journey to her new home.

http://youtu.be/T7J5Q8il3bo

Here's a pic we took of Bao Bao when she was just months old..all she did was sleep while we were at the Zoo!