Summary:
1. Panda Palooza: A celebration of giant pandas at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
2. The special treat for the pandas: Panda-friendly fruitsicle cake.
3. Panda Palooza: A farewell to Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji as they depart for China.
Panda Palooza: A Unique Celebration of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
The excitement breeds the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., as the Asia Trail keepers kick off Panda Palooza at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. This 9-day celebration is a tribute to the beloved giant pandas and their upcoming departure. Let’s delve into the fascinating details of this event and discover the unique aspects that make it a memorable occasion.
The Panda-Friendly Fruitsicle Cake:
One of the highlights of Panda Palooza is the special treat prepared for the giant pandas. The dedicated animal care staff presented Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji with a panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made meticulously by the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition Science. Commissary keepers artfully crafted multi-tiered cakes using the base of frozen diluted apple and pineapple juices. What makes these treats extra special is the “frosting,” consisting of mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, and honey. To make this visual delight even more appealing, the tiers were beautifully decorated with apples, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and bamboo sprigs.
Virtual Visitors:
Thanks to technological advancements, even those who can’t physically visit the National Zoo can still experience the enchantment of Panda Palooza. Through NZCBI’s Giant Panda Cam, virtual visitors worldwide can observe the bears enjoying their frozen treats. This live-streaming platform allows people to witness the joyful moments as the pandas savor their fruitsicle cakes, creating a deeper connection between humans and these magnificent creatures.
Panda Palooza: A Farewell:
The underlying sentiment of Panda Palooza is bittersweet, as it marks the imminent departure of Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji from China. This significant event resulted from the conservation research agreement between NZCBI and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). The departure of these pandas represents the zoo’s dedication to global conservation efforts and international collaboration in preserving endangered species. Panda Palooza serves as a farewell tribute, bringing the community together to celebrate these pandas’ wonderful impact during their time at the National Zoo.
Panda Palooza at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is a remarkable event that captivates visitors and virtual observers. From the panda-friendly fruitsicle cake to the heartwarming farewell, this 9-day celebration highlights the beauty and significance of these amazing giant pandas. The National Zoo has allowed people worldwide to witness and appreciate the wonders of nature and wildlife through technologies like the Giant Panda Cam. As we bid farewell to Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji, let us remember the importance of conservation and the valuable role zoos play in protecting and preserving our planet’s precious biodiversity.
For more information on Panda Palooza and to participate in this extraordinary celebration, visit https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/panda-palooza-giant-farewell. Join us in saying goodbye to these incredible giant pandas while cherishing the memories they’ve created at the National Zoo.
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Source Description
September 23, 2023 | This morning, Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., celebrated the kick-off of Panda Palooza at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. At 9 a.m., animal care staff presented all three giant pandas with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made by the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition Science. Commissary keepers crafted the multi-tiered cakes using frozen diluted apple and pineapple juices. The treat was “frosted” with a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, mashed carrots and honey. Keepers decorated the tiers with apples, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots and bamboo sprigs. Virtual visitors tuned in to NZCBI’s Giant Panda Cam to watch the bears enjoy their frozen treats.
Panda Palooza is a 9-day celebration of the giant pandas in honor of their upcoming departure. Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji will fly to China as part of the conservation research agreement between NZCBI and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). Events will occur between Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, October 1. Additional details can be found at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/panda-palooza-giant-farewell.
