Tian Tian at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, March 2004
Tian Tian (Chinese 添添 "More and More") is a 275-pound male giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park 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 the San Diego Zoo's Bai Yun. Tian Tian's mate Mei Xiang gave birth to a male cub, Tai Shan, on July 9, 2005.[1][2]
Giant pandas are thought to be solitary creatures, except for mating season and mothers with young cubs. In keeping with the habits of wild pandas, Tian is generally alone, although Mei and Tian are occasionally together outside of breeding season. While Tian and Tai have seen each other through a mesh-opening in the fence and are aware of each other's presence through scent marking, they will likely never be introduced into the same yard, as male Giant Pandas play no part in raising their young in the wild. Tian Tian is quite restless at times, and is known to be impatient if he does not get enough toffee apples. Tian and Mei are trained to participate in a full medical examination, including a blood draw, without anesthesia.[3]
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