Animals At Smithsonian's National Zoo Enjoy Snow Days!
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The season's first winter storm — which brought significant snowfall to the Washington, DC, area on January 3, 2022 — could not have come at a better time for the residents of the Smithsonian's National Zoo. With the park closed to visitors due to the inclement weather, the animals were able to welcome the New Year with several snow days all to themselves.
The resident sloth bears, Niko and Deemak, took advantage of the soft white powder to practice their wrestling skills. The bison, kept warm by their thick coats, enjoyed the freezing but beautiful scenery while chewing hay. Even the elephant briefly ventured out to experience the icy weather.
However, it was giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji who seemed to enjoy the winter wonderland the most. In the footage captured by zoo officials, the adorable 16-month-old is seen performing somersaults in the snow, before sliding headfirst down a small hill. He then joins his mom, Mei Xiang, for a playful romp in the snow.
Xiao Qi Ji, which translates to "little miracle" is Mei Xiang and Tian Tian's fourth surviving cub. The adult giant pandas, who have been at the National Zoo since 2000, are on loan from the Chinese government. They were scheduled to return to China in 2020. However, National Zoo was able to obtain a three-year extension for their stay.
In December 2023, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji will all leave for the Wolong National Nature Reserve in China's Sichuan Province. The 500,000-acre-wildlife preserve and research facility is home to over 150 giant pandas, as well as other endangered animals such as snow leopards, golden monkeys, red pandas, and white-lipped deer.
Resources: Smithsonianmag.com, National Zoo.
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305 Comments
marleydelyla136 monthsHow could they bear that I can't stand 50° fd
kairi2069 monthsThis was super cute! I really love how the mom and baby panda were playing together! I also love how the sloth bears took this time to practice their wrestling skills. Also, I really love how the bison acted like nothing was happening and he just ate his food. Also, I really love how the pandas were able to stay there for 3 more years.
hayliek09209 monthsSo cute
superstar123abc10 monthsDa pandas.. I'm obsessed!! <3
viviaxxi11 monthsI love this article so much and I love how the panda roll in the snow! Its so cute❤
lordofgamesabout 1 yeari want one really really really really really really bad and i thoght tigers were the best I guess I was wrong.Now I think that they are the the cutest.- lordofgamesabout 1 yearadorable!!!!
alice10about 1 yearMy brother loves pandas
firesover 1 yearI just really want to see a panda they look so cute but I'm not the only one who wants to see a panda
lockekg31over 1 yearthat is so cute they were like little rolly polly bugs.omg the little baby cheetah licking their mama to die for am i right.
