The National Zoological Park, also known as the National Zoo, is located in Washington D.C, America. Opened in 1889, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world.

 

The National Zoo consist of two divisions – the zoo itself and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), located in different parts of DC. The SCBI is closed to the public as it is a training centre for conservationists and breeding centre for endangered species.

 

The National Zoo has a very large collection of about 1,800 animals of 300 different species, around 60 of which are endangered. One of their main attractions are the Giant Pandas.

 

They have a family of three pandas in residence right now. In 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the zoo and gave birth to numerous cubs over the next years. However, only two have survived – Bao Bao and Bei Bei. Bao Bao has recently been returned to China, so only Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei Bei are living in the zoo at the moment.

In the past, they had another pair of panda, named Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing. However, Ling Ling passed away at 23 due to heart failure and Hsing Hsing was euthanized at 28 due to deliberating diseases.

 

Efforts

 

Breeding

The National Zoo has a 10-year breeding plan, which is relatively effective. It has managed to produce 3 cubs so far, which is a high success rate for a zoo.

Research

SCBI does a lot of research on pandas.

They travel to China annually, to observe the pandas in their natural habitat and exchange information with their Chinese counterparts, who have a lot more practical experiencex with pandas. During their trips to China, they also search out new habitat suitable for panda reintroduction.

In the zoo, they have specialized Panda Watchers, who are volunteers. These Panda Watchers watch the panda cams around the clock, collecting holistic and accurate first-hand data, that greatly aids research.

Additionally, the SCBI has created a 5 year science plan in conjunction with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The science plan is very well-rounded and covers many aspects of panda conservation from habitat( how to restore habitat; linking habitat fragments) to providing advice (on panda reintroduction; impacts; breeding) and research.