Celebrating 50 Years of Giant Pandas
Pandaversary: 50 Years of Caring, Collaboration and Conservation
On April 16, 2022, 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. 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. For a full list of events, visit our website. Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required for all guests. The Giant Panda 50th Anniversary celebration is made possible with the support of Boeing.
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. Love giant pandas? Adopt one in the Zoo’s mobile game, Zoo Guardians! Build your own virtual zoo, interact with animals through augmented reality, and learn fun facts from the Zoo's animal care and science experts.
50 Giant Panda Facts to Boost Your Zoo IQ
How much do you know about giant pandas? Boost your knowledge of these charming and charismatic bears with 50 fun facts about them!
Help Us Continue Our Conservation Legacy
Saving giant pandas from extinction takes a team of scientists, animal care specialists and people like you! Help ensure a bright future for this and all species at the Zoo by making a tax-deductible donation. On behalf of the animals we care for and work to conserve: thank you!
Coming Soon: Pandaversary Merchandise
From Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, the first giant pandas to call our Zoo home, to our newest “little miracle,” cub Xiao Qi Ji, celebrate 50 years of giant panda conservation and cuteness! Get ready to bear your panda pride starting April 8! Our limited-edition merchandise proudly boasts all eight of our pandas, just like your favorite family photo album.
Our Mission At the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we save species using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.