Nov. 25/2020

 

Feature:

His Name Is Xiao Qi Ji

"The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute’s 3-month-old giant panda cub received his name today. After 5 days of voting & just under 135,000 votes, the winning name is Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), which translates as 'little miracle' in English. It was one of 4 Mandarin Chinese names that were offered for a public online vote from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20... Giant pandas are an international symbol of endangered wildlife & hope, & Xiao Qi Ji’s birth offered the world a much-needed moment of joy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. His name reflects the extraordinary circumstances under which he was born & celebrates the collaboration between colleagues who strive to conserve this species.

'Connecting people around the world with nature, whether in person or in this virtual setting, is a cornerstone of our mission to conserve & protect giant pandas for future generations,' said Steve Monfort, John & Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. 'Like many who have followed our giant panda cub since his birth last summer...Watching Xiao Qi Ji always puts a smile on my face. We are grateful that those who share in our joy have helped us pick the perfect name for our panda cub.'

Xiao Qi Ji was born at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat Aug. 21, at 6:35 p.m. to mother Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) & father Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN). His birth was streamed live on the Zoo’s Giant Panda Cam, & since then more than 1.5 million virtual visitors have tuned in to watch him grow. Giant panda fans can see Xiao Qi Ji, Mei Xiang, & Tian Tian via the Giant Panda Cam...

As part of the Zoo’s cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all cubs born at the Zoo move to China when they are 4 years old..."

Nov. 23/2020

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/

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