You can vote on the new panda's name through the end of the week.
The new baby panda born at the National Zoo in August needs a name, and you can help! Now through November 20 you can log onto the Smithsonian’s website and choose from four names for the little guy. The fan-favorite will be announced to the world on November 23, 2020, right in time for Thanksgiving. Born on August 21, this is the first panda born in the United States using frozen semen. Viewers were able to see the birth live on the zoo’s webcam and have been watching the new panda bond with his mom, 22-year-old Mei Xiang.
The four possible names for the new panda were chosen by the zoo and partners from China.
- Fu Zai (福仔) [fu-tzai]—prosperous boy
- Xiao Qi ji (小奇迹) [shiau-chi-ji]—little miracle
- Xing Fu (幸福) [shing-fu]—happy and prosperous
- Zai Zai (仔仔) [tzai-tzai]—a traditional Chinese nickname for a boy
Currently, the panda house at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat and the Asia Trail are closed to provide privacy and quiet for Mei Xiang and her cub. The new baby panda will stay at the National Zoo until he is four years old when he will be moved to China in accordance with the cooperative breeding agreement.
Courtesy Smithsonian National Zoo
Mei Xiang has three other surviving children, Tai Shan (born in 2005), Bao Bao (born in 2013), and Bei Bei (born in 2013). All three of the pandas were moved to China when they turned four years old as well. Because the cooperative breeding agreement is set to expire at the end of 2020, this may be the last panda born at the National Zoo.
Don't forget to vote, here!
