The time has come to talk about what is possibly one of the cutest animals on planet Earth; pandas! These balls of fluff somehow have the unique ability to captivate the hearts of anyone they meet. This fact makes it even more saddening that pandas are an endangered species. The main reason for this is that humans have cleared most of the forests full of bamboo that pandas need to survive. Poaching has also been a big issue, because apparently some sick people will pay a lot for a panda pelt. Combined with this, panda’s also have some trouble reproducing. They are extremely choosy about their mates- which I can respect- produce low-nutrient milk, and usually only have one cub at a time. This combination of problems does not bode well for the future of pandas. But there are still lots of people out there who care and are trying to make a difference.

Mei Xiang’s New Baby: 

One of the most memorable moments in the history of panda-replenishing is July 9, 2005. This is when the first panda was born at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. His mom and dad, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were both born at the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda. These were the second pair of pandas given to the zoo as a donation from China, loaned to the U.S. for scientific studies. The first pair produced cubs, but none survived more than a few days, and the mom and dad eventually passed away. It was a very sad ordeal for the zoo and its panda keepers. But they were given a second chance at panda raising when China graciously gave the zoo a younger pair of pandas.  

Since natural mating between the pair was unsuccessful, in March 2005 Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated. The keepers were unable to figure out if the procedure was successful or not, until early morning July 9, when Mei Xiang surprised them and gave birth to an adorable baby boy. At first the keepers were concerned about the baby’s well being, because when it was born, it hit the wall (which was funny to watch, by the way). But after observation and examination, the cub seemed to be in good health. After they had determined it was a boy, then came the fun part of naming him. The zoo decided to follow the Chinese tradition and name him when he turned 100 days old. In the meantime, there was an internet poll, so the community could decide the name. They included five traditional Chinese names approved by the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Then, on his 100th day, the Zoo revealed the name that got the most votes; Tai Shan, meaning “peaceful mountain”.  

Welcome to the world baby Tai Shan!

This adorable cub has become a major symbol of hope for the future of pandas, and a milestone in America’s research, getting to know these secluded creatures. December 8, 2005 is the first day Tai Shan was revealed for the public to observe, and the turnout was expectedly huge. Lots of people had started to care about the baby they hadn’t even seen before. Tai Shan was of inordinate help in promoting panda awareness.  

Mother-son quality time:

The zoo and all the people who had grown quite attached to Tai Shan were disheartened when it was announced in 2010 that he would soon go to China. It was part of the agreement all along, but that didn’t make the goodbye any easier. Tai Shan will still be an animal loved by many, no matter where he is in the world. We are grateful to the National Zoo, China, and of course Tai Shan, for their valiant efforts to help our beloved pandas to be here for generations to come. Interested in learning more about Tai Shan’s story? Be sure to watch Animal Planet’s documentary A Panda is Born and Baby Panda’s First Year.   Goodbye until next week!