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Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

ABOUT THIS STORY |  Giant pandas, native to China, are endangered. There are only about 1,600 in the wild and slightly more than 200 in captivity. Panda reproduction in captivity has been problematic despite the National Zoo's big success in 2005, when Mei Xiang gave birth to Tai Shan.


Giant panda Tai Shan is among the National Zoo's most popular attractions -- and most endagered animals -- year in and year out. (Washington Post photos.)

Latest Headlines

John Kelly's Washington
Bamboo-Loving Giant Pandas Can Warp a Zoo Nutritionist's Worldview
From the moment he wakes up in the morning until the moment he falls asleep at night, Mike Maslanka has one thing on his mind: bamboo.
 
Video
Zoo Announces Giant Panda Is Not Pregnant
The National Zoo reacts to its female giant panda's, Mei Xiang, false pregnancy for the third year in a row.
Video
Eye On The Panda Staff
Meet some of the Smithsonian National Zoo staffers and volunteers that tracked the possible pregnancy of Mei Xiang.
Video
Tai Shan Celebrates His Third BirthdayTai Shan Celebrates His Third Birthday
Tai Shan, the panda at the National Zoo, celebrates turning three years old with zoo visitors and a large ice cake.
Video
Tai Shan - Two Years Later
A look back at Tai Shan's life as a celebrity as he celebrates his second birthday Monday at the National Zoo. Photo Gallery
Gallery
/metro Tai Shan Turns One
No doubt about it: Tai Shan is one of the most watched celebrities in Washington. As he turns 1 year old, zoo officials lead the public in toasting Tai Shan with a four-hour birthday celebration.
Gallery
/politics Tai Shan's Snow Day
The National Zoo's giant panda cub, Tai Shan, gets his first taste of snow.
Gallery
/metro/photo Panda Mother
Mei Xiang, a female giant panda at the National Zoo, enchanted the public in 2005 after a successful artificial insemination and the subsequent birth of her cub Tai Shan. Zoo officials said last week that Mei Xiang might be pregnant a second time, citing a spike in the giant panda's hormone levels.
Gallery
/photo Tai Shan's Outdoor Adventures
At nearly six months old and about 27 pounds, Tai Shan is regularly venturing outside to play and spend time with his mother Mei Xiang.

Graphics

Live Discussions

Zoo Celebrates Panda's Birthday (washingtonpost.com, July 9, 2009; 7:55 AM)
 
Zoo, Chinese Officials Begin Talks About Pandas' Tenure (Post, May 21, 2009)
 
NATIONAL ZOO: Panda Rebuffs Tests to Check For Pregnancy (Post, May 7, 2009)
 
At National Zoo, High Hopes for Panda Pregnancy (Post, May 4, 2009; 3:12 PM)
 
NATIONAL ZOO: All Eyes Are on a Potentially Pregnant Panda (Post, May 3, 2009)
 
Even a Panda Sometimes Needs a Colonoscopy (Post, May 2, 2009)
 
The Panda Paradox: With so few pandas left in the world, the pressure on the National Zoo to deliver another cub is enormous. But the mysteries of the animal's reproductive system make that quest a race against time. (Post, April 5, 2009)
 
NATIONAL ZOO: Pandas' Amorous Romp Concludes Scientifically (Post, January 19, 2009)
 
National Zoo Runs Low on Bamboo Supply (Post, January 14, 2009; 12:35 PM)
 
Despite Romance, No New Panda Cub: Efforts Fail for the Second Year (Post, August 14, 2008)
 
NATIONAL ZOO: Another Pregnant Pause for Panda Fans (Post, June 21, 2008)
 
Zoos Reach Out To Panda Facility: Aid Sought for Reserve, Workers (Post, May 31, 2008)
 
The Guide 2008 Family Entertainment: Grab the Kids And Go! (Post, April 24, 2008)
 
Not Doing What Comes Naturally: Mei Xiang and Tian Tian Fail to Mate, So Scientists Step In for a Third Time (Post, March 20, 2008)
 
Zookeeper Taken to Hospital After Tai Shan Makes 'Contact' With Her (washingtonpost.com, March 19, 2008; 6:10 PM)
 
Zookeeper Taken to Hospital after Tai Shan Makes 'Physical Contact' (washingtonpost.com, March 19, 2008; 5:54 PM)
 
Conversation Pieces (Post, December 14, 2007)
 
As Usual, It All Comes Down to Where (Post, August 26, 2007)
 
Panda's False Pregnancy Brings Heartbreak at the Zoo (Post, July 7, 2007)
 
Mei Xiang Eating Bamboo for Two?: Panda Might Give Birth This Month; Then Again, She Might Not (Post, July 4, 2007)
 
Happy Birth Day to Mei?: Hormonal Surge Indicates Giant Panda May Be Pregnant With No. 2 (Post, June 8, 2007)
 
Where to Sip Outside (washingtonpost.com, May 14, 2007; 3:32 PM)
 
Animals speaking for themselves. (Post, May 6, 2007)
 
2 More Years of Oohs and Aahs: Tai Shan's Stay Extended; Fingers Crossed for a Sibling (Post, April 25, 2007)
 
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