Mei Xiang

Arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

Mei Xiang arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in the United States on December 6, 2000, beginning a China–U.S. giant panda conservation and research partnership.

Smithsonian's National Zoo

Gave birth to Tai Shan

Mei Xiang gave birth to a male cub named Tai Shan on July 9, 2005.

Gave birth to a female cub that died seven days later

Mei Xiang gave birth to a female cub on September 16, 2012. The cub died on September 23; a necropsy found underdeveloped lungs with resulting liver damage.

Gave birth to Bao Bao

Mei Xiang gave birth to a female cub named Bao Bao on August 23, 2013. About 26 hours later, she delivered another cub that was stillborn.

Gave birth to two male cubs, including Bei Bei

Mei Xiang gave birth to two male cubs on August 22, 2015. Bei Bei survived; the other cub died on August 26.

Gave birth to Xiao Qi Ji at age 22

On August 21, 2020, 22-year-old Mei Xiang gave birth to a male cub named Xiao Qi Ji. She became the oldest giant panda to give birth in the United States, and the birth was the first successful giant panda birth at a U.S. zoo following artificial insemination using only frozen-thawed semen.

Departed Washington to return to China after nearly 23 years

On November 8, 2023, Mei Xiang ended her nearly 23-year stay in the United States and departed Washington to return to China. After returning, she entered quarantine and acclimation at the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

Washington