Tian Tian
Encyclopedia
Giant Panda
The giant panda, or panda is a bear native to central-western and south western China. It is easily recognized by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the panda's diet is 99% bamboo...
at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and as part of the Smithsonian Institution, does not charge admission. Founded in 1889, its mission is to provide leadership in animal care, science, education,...
in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
The panda was born on August 27, 1997, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong National Nature Reserve
Wolong National Nature Reserve
Wolong National Nature Reserve is a protected area located in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. Established in 1963, the reserve covers an area of about 200,000 hectares in the Qionglai Mountains region. There are over 4,000 different species recorded in the reserve....
in Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
Province, to Yong Ba (mother) and Pan Pan (father). Tian Tian is the half-brother of the San Diego Zoo's
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is one of the most progressive zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species...
Bai Yun
Bai Yun
Bai Yun is a female giant panda currently at the San Diego Zoo. Bai Yun was the first successful birth of a giant panda at the Wolong Giant Panda Research Center in China...
. Tian Tian's mate Mei Xiang
Mei Xiang
Mei Xiang is a female Giant Panda who lives at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C...
gave birth to a male cub, Tai Shan
Tai Shan (panda)
Tai Shan , also known as Butterstick or 'Pandie' ) is a giant panda born at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C on July 9, 2005 at 3:41 AM...
, on July 9, 2005.
Giant pandas are thought to be solitary creatures, except for mating season and mothers with young cubs. In keeping with the habits of wild pandas, Tian is generally alone, although Mei and Tian are occasionally together outside of breeding season. While Tian and Tai have seen each other through a mesh-opening in the fence and are aware of each other's presence through scent marking, they will likely never be introduced into the same yard, as male Giant Pandas play no part in raising their young in the wild. Tian Tian is quite restless at times, and is known to be impatient if he does not get enough toffee apples. Tian and Mei are trained to participate in a full medical examination, including a blood draw, without anesthesia.