WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Giant Panda Mei Xiang celebrated her 25th birthday at the Smithsonian National Zoo Saturday. She enjoyed a special ice cake, and many eager visitors.
The pandas have become one of the most popular attractions at the zoo. Mei Xiang made history in 2020 when she gave birth to her last cub, Xiao Qi Ji. She became the oldest giant panda in the United States to give birth.
Mei Xiang has given birth to three other surviving cubs: Tai Shan, Bao Bao, and Bei Bei.
Fifty years ago, the giant pandas took up residence in Washington, and they have become some of its most beloved neighbors. The first pair of pandas arrived in D.C. on April 16, 1972, thanks to a deal between First Lady Patricia Nixon and the Chinese Premier.
That agreement is coming to a close, as the pandas prepare to head back to China at the end of 2023.
There are still two other celebrations before the pandas leave the National Zoo. Xiao Qi Ji celebrates his 3rd birthday on August 21, while his dad Tian Tian celebrates his 26th birthday a few days later on August 27.
Click here to watch the 24/7 live Giant Panda Cam.
The National Zoo marks many of the giant panda celebrations with a special ice cake. Keepers at the zoo say the cakes may look sweet, but they are nothing like a cake from a bakery. The main ingredients of a panda's cake are water, fruit juice, food coloring and fresh produce for decoration.