Species | Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) |
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Sex | Male |
Born | Wenchuan County, Sichuan, China | August 27, 1997
Nation from | China |
Owner | Government of China |
Residence | National Zoo, Washington, DC |
Parent(s) |
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Offspring | |
Weight | 275 lb (125 kg) |
Tian Tian (Chinese: 添添; pinyin: Tiān Tiān; lit. 'More and More or “Tim Tim”') is a 275-pound male giant panda formerly at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. 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 in Sichuan Province, to Yong Ba (mother) and Pan Pan (father). Tian Tian is the half-brother of Bai Yun, formerly at the San Diego Zoo.
Giant pandas are thought to be solitary creatures, except for mating season and mothers with young cubs. Tian generally spends his time alone, except for brief periods during breeding season. Tian is able to see Mei Xiang, and any cub with her, through some mesh windows in the exhibit. Male giant pandas play no part in raising their young in the wild. Tian and Mei are trained to participate in a full medical examination, including a blood draw, without anesthesia. The giant pandas enter a special squeeze cage with small openings and follow keeper instructions, getting a food reward for participating.[1]