Apr

Celebrating 50 years of Giant Pandas

On April 16, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas.

Pandaversary: 50 Years of Caring, Collaboration and Conservation

Giant pandas are icons in Washington, D.C., and beloved around the world. What’s more, they represent how international collaboration and conservation science can save species. Over the past five decades, the Zoo’s beloved cele-bear-ities have brought American and Chinese scientists and animal care experts together to collaborate on a common goal: saving the species from extinction.

April 16, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of the arrival of giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — the start of a decades-long giant panda program. Join us in looking back at 50 years of giant panda joy and conservation and imagining what the next 50 years may bring.

A Decade of Adorable Moments Caught on Camera

From newborn Bao Bao’s hearty squeal to Xiao Qi Ji’s belly-slide in the snow, the Giant Panda Cam—sponsored by Chase—has given people around the globe a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the bears that call the Zoo home. In honor of our upcoming Pandaversary, we’ve curated a collection of cute Cam moments from the past decade that connected viewers with nature, sparked pure panda joy and broke the internet.

#PandaStory: Growing Up

Our Pandaversary isn’t the only big event on the horizon! For our 19-month-old giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji, another important milestone is approaching: weaning. Get the latest #PandaStory update from assistant curator Laurie Thompson and veterinarian James Steeil.

Stories From Zoo Guardians: Caring for Giant Pandas

Nicole MacCorkle’s childhood dream of working with giant pandas came true when she became an animal keeper and real-life Zoo Guardian. Learn what it’s like to care for these incredible creatures in this update from Nicole.