Buzz
This August, the Smithsonian National Zoo celebrated the arrival of a male panda cub, adding to the conservatory family. Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, the proud panda parents, have successfully raised four cubs during their time at the Smithsonian. You can now watch their newest cub on a live panda cam and even contribute to choosing its name.
The legacy of the giant panda exhibit
The charming new member of the giant panda exhibit highlights the ongoing cultural partnership between the United States and China, which began in 1972. Originally, pandas were gifted to First Lady Patricia Nixon after she expressed her admiration for these bears. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai presented them as a gesture to strengthen ties between China and the United States.
Since that time, the United States and China have emerged as pioneers in panda reproduction research and breeding. The Smithsonian provides a comprehensive timeline and history of the initiatives to protect panda populations, offering fascinating insights into wildlife conservation and its intersection with global politics.
Tune in to watch baby pandas live online
Before casting your vote for the cub’s name, you might want to learn more about it. The famous panda family, including the new cub, can be observed on the Smithsonian’s live web cam. Watching this little bear play in the hay is incredibly relaxing, making it perfect for background viewing while working from home. Keep a tab open to catch moments of the cub stretching, wobbling, and exploring—it’s almost impossible not to wish you could reach through the screen and give it a cuddle.
Cast your vote for the new baby panda’s name
Once you’ve spent some time observing the pandas, make an informed decision on the cub’s name. The voting site presents four Mandarin Chinese names, complete with Chinese characters for visual reference and audio clips to ensure proper pronunciation. After making your choice, select the corresponding bubble and click “vote” at the bottom. You’ll receive a confirmation on the page, along with an option to donate to support panda conservation efforts.
Support wildlife conservation initiatives
According to the Smithsonian, only 1,864 giant pandas remain in their natural habitats worldwide. The primary threat to pandas is the destruction of their environments due to logging and agricultural expansion. The Smithsonian National Zoo’s efforts have been instrumental in breeding giant pandas and developing safe habitats to ensure their survival in the wild.
You can contribute through a general gift to support the zoo’s educational programs focused on conservation. The Adopt a Giant Panda Mom & Cub package includes a certificate, animal fact cards, and a large plush toy of a panda mom and cub. Starting at $85, the proceeds go directly toward panda conservation. If pandas aren’t your favorite, you can also join the Adopt a Species program, which lets you support the animal of your choice.
