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  • Take a Look Back at 5 Decades of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
tian tian and mei xiang
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Take a Look Back at 5 Decades of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

The last five decades have seen plenty of births and milestones among the giant pandas.

By Michele Kettner November 8, 2023 at 12:40 pm

For the last 51 years, the giant pandas have been a staple at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, DC. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. 

Today, the three black-and-white bears hosted at the zoo move to China, fulfilling the Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. As you say your last goodbyes, take a look back at some unforgettable moments with the eight pandas that have called Washington home. 

ling-ling and hsing-hsing playing outside
tai shan laying on branch
bao bao climbling frozen fruit cake
bei bei climbing a tree
xiao qi ji holding an apple
pandas leaving national zoo in fedex truck
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ling
tiantianmeixiang
taishan2
baobao2
beibei2
xiaoqiji
pandasleaving
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Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo

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Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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