In the heart of the National Zoo, a seemingly perfect love story played out between Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, two giant pandas. The anticipation of mating season brought an air of excitement, but when the lights dimmed and the zoo fell silent, their love story turned into a tale of disappointment.
Despite the zoo's unwavering efforts, the giant panda couple had a history of failed attempts at procreation. It wasn't due to a lack of trying or the zoo's commitment to help them. When the crucial moment arrived, Mei Xiang would often adopt a peculiar pose, lying flat on the ground, making Tian Tian's already complex task even more challenging. Tian Tian, on the other hand, seemed uncertain about how to proceed, leading to a rather clumsy grappling dance.
Their rendezvous frequently ended in frustration and irritation, reaching a point where they had to be separated before things took a violent turn. The stakes were high, considering that giant pandas possess formidable claws and jaws capable of cracking bamboo, posing a genuine risk of injury.
Year after year, from 2003 to 2020, the pandas' attempts at natural mating ended in disappointment. The zoo resorted to artificial insemination, which ultimately resulted in the birth of their four surviving cubs.
As the National Zoo prepares to bid farewell to its three remaining pandas - Mei Xiang, 25, Tian Tian, 26, and their three-year-old son, Xiao Qi Ji, who will all head to China by mid-November - experts are still left pondering why the adult pandas never quite managed to click as a breeding pair. (The other three cubs had already been returned to China, per the terms of their lease.)
For over five decades, Washington, D.C. has held a deep affection for its giant pandas. However, the time has come for all the pandas to bid adieu to the National Zoo, with their departure scheduled for November 15. It marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the city's history, where giant pandas have captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike.
Source: Washington Post
Photo: Getty Images