Tai Shan

Basic Profile

Tai Shan (Chinese name: 泰山, studbook number 595) is a male giant panda born on July 9, 2005 at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., USA. He is the first giant panda cub born at the facility to survive past infancy, and the offspring of Tian Tian (添添, studbook 466) and Mei Xiang (美香, studbook 461), who were on long-term loan from China.

Early Life at the Smithsonian

Tai Shan’s birth sparked an unprecedented wave of “panda fever” across the United States. An online naming contest drew over 200,000 voters from around the world, ultimately selecting “Tai Shan” (泰山), named after the sacred Chinese mountain. The name was translated into English as “Peace Mountain.” His first public appearance on December 22, 2005 drew 12,000 visitors; all 13,000 free tickets were claimed within two hours, with resale prices reaching several hundred dollars on eBay.

His image appeared on Washington D.C. Metro fare cards, replacing even President Obama’s inauguration design. A sneezing video of Tai Shan posted on YouTube accumulated over 51 million views. The zoo’s panda cam received over 21 million cumulative views during his early years. Washington Mayor Anthony Williams declared him “the most important resident of Washington.”

Extended Stay in the U.S.

Under the original Sino-US agreement, Tai Shan was to return to China at age two (2007). However, overwhelming public demand led China to grant two extensions — first a two-year extension until 2009, then an additional six months. Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty declared April 24, 2007 as “Panda Day” in the city. School children across 40 states raised $16,000 through a “Change for Pandas” campaign.

Return to China

On February 5, 2010, Tai Shan flew aboard the “FedEx Panda Express” Boeing 777 alongside Mei Lan (美兰, studbook 649) from Washington Dulles to Chengdu. Upon arrival, he was transferred to the Bifengxia Base in Ya’an, joining the “Overseas Returnee Panda Paradise.” In 2024, he was relocated to the Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong.

Life in China

Tai Shan has participated in the China Conservation and Research Center’s breeding program since his return. While he has not produced offspring as prolifically as some other males, he remains an important genetic contributor and a beloved public figure. He celebrated his 12th birthday at Bifengxia in 2017 with a special cake and well-wishes from fans worldwide, and continues to serve as a symbol of Sino-American cooperation.