Mei Xiang, a giant panda, lived for over two decades at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Born in China, she became a symbol of international cooperation and conservation efforts for her endangered species. After her time in the United States, Mei Xiang recently returned to her native China. Her return concluded a significant chapter for the zoo and highlighted the global commitment to protecting giant pandas and fostering diplomatic ties.
Life at the National Zoo
Mei Xiang arrived in Washington, D.C., in December 2000, alongside her male counterpart, Tian Tian, as part of a cooperative research and breeding agreement with China. Their presence at the National Zoo established them as central figures in the U.S.-China conservation partnership, known as “panda diplomacy.” This arrangement supported species survival and fostered goodwill between the two nations.
The pair became popular, drawing millions of visitors to the zoo. Their activities were broadcast globally through the “Panda Cam,” allowing enthusiasts to observe them. The live stream gained popularity during cub births. This public access solidified Mei Xiang’s status as a cultural icon.
A History of Motherhood
Mei Xiang’s reproductive journey at the National Zoo was challenging, requiring dedicated scientific efforts. Giant pandas have a narrow breeding window, which necessitated artificial insemination. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute used this method, including frozen semen, to maximize breeding success.
Over her two decades at the zoo, Mei Xiang gave birth to seven cubs, with four surviving beyond infancy: Tai Shan in 2005, Bao Bao in 2013, Bei Bei in 2015, and Xiao Qi Ji in 2020. Each birth generated public excitement. Her birth of Xiao Qi Ji at age 22 made her the oldest giant panda in the United States, and second oldest globally, to give birth. This was also the first successful U.S. zoo pregnancy using only frozen semen.
The conservation agreement stipulated that cubs born in the U.S. would return to China around age four to join China’s breeding program. This ensured genetic diversity and strengthened international conservation efforts. Tai Shan, Bao Bao, and Bei Bei returned to China in previous years, contributing to the species’ long-term survival.
Return to China
Mei Xiang’s time in Washington, D.C., concluded in November 2023, when her loan agreement with China expired. On November 8, 2023, she departed the National Zoo with Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji. This departure marked the end of a 23-year period during which the U.S. capital was home to giant pandas.
The trio embarked on an approximately 19-hour journey aboard a dedicated FedEx Panda Express Boeing 777F aircraft, with a brief refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska. Animal care experts from the National Zoo accompanied them, ensuring comfort and safety during the trans-Pacific flight. In Chengdu, China, new keepers from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda met the pandas.
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji were then transported to the Shenshuping Campus in Wolong National Nature Reserve, where they entered a quarantine period lasting 30 days. National Zoo staff remained with the pandas for a few days to assist with their initial acclimation to their new environment. Xiao Qi Ji is expected to enter the breeding program upon reaching sexual maturity, continuing his family’s legacy in giant panda conservation.