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Sunday, August 21, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEI BEI!

Bei Bei
Who doesn’t like panda’s? They’re adorable! In 1972 two giant pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, were given to the United States as gifts of the Chinese government following then President Richard Nixon’s historic trip to China. They arrived at the National Zoo in Washington, DC on April 16, 1972. 

Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, 1985
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29880326
    

In return, our government gave the Chinese two musk oxen. We definitely got the better end of the deal.
 
Musk Ox
During their time at the zoo, the two pandas had five cubs but none survived more than a few days. Alas, Ling-Ling died in 1992 at the age of 23, and Hsing-Hsing followed in 1999 at the age of 28.

Since then, the National Zoo has been home to other giant pandas. A year ago today saw the birth of Bei Bei, one of a pair of twins born to Mei Xiang. His father is Tian Tian. Unfortunately, Bei Bei’s twin only survived for four days. Bei Bei, however, has thrived and hopefully will have a long, happy life. Happy birthday, Bei Bei!

2 comments:

Angela Adams said...

I would love to give that adorable giant panda a giant hug!Thanks for the post.

ANASTASIA POLLACK said...

I know what you mean, Angela. I feel the same way. Thanks for stopping by.