Smithsonian's National Zoo Pandaversary
Former First Lady Patricia Nixon was instrumental in bringing giant pandas to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. In February 1972, at a dinner in Beijing then First Lady Patricia Nixon told Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai of her fondness for giant pandas. As a gesture of goodwill, Premier Zhou gave two giant pandas to the American people. President and Mrs. Nixon chose the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC as home for the pair, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing. The then Zoo director Theodore Reed escorted the pandas from China and they arrived in Washington DC on April 16, 1972. Mrs. Nixon welcomed the pair in an official ceremony on April 20,1972, declaring "pandamonium was going to break out here at the Zoo."
On April 16, 2022, the Smithsonian's National Zoo will celebrate 50 years. Check out this Washington Post article to find out more about the beginnings of giant pandas coming to the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
5 comments:
Pamela: This is such a heartwarming story, I do remember when this was on the news, I was thrilled that the USA was able to have Pandas.
I remember how President Nixon was criticized for going to China.
Just think the two Pands coming here have off spring, wonderful.
Catherine
This is wonderful -- I didn't realize how the pandas came to the US. I adore pandas!
Pandas are so cute, the world over!
I remember when we were gifted the Panda's. It was such a wonderful gesture.
xx, Carol
What a cute story! I hope I can go visit the ones in Berlin again this year.
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