Advanced Citizenship

*cross-posted from dc.metblogs.com

This morning the National Zoo announced the sad news that Tai Shan, DC’s beloved baby Giant Panda, will be returned to China early next year.  Most in DC have loved the little guy since before he was even born.  We helped to name him (remember?  Tai Shan, meaning “Peaceful Mountain,” was chosen — “Butterstick” wasn’t a choice), and have thoroughly enjoyed cooing and awww-ing at his antics for the past four years.  He certainly learned early on how to please a crowd!  It’s always great to watch him react to crowds reacting to him.  The Zoo has, let’s face it, made quite a bit of dough out of this love affair, but they’ve also done a lot to make them more accessible and give them a better habitat to live in.

Now that winter’s coming on, the pandas’ activity level will be increasing (please let it snow!  they’re supercharged-adorable in the snow!) — and “early next year” is only a few short weeks away — so it’s a great time to squeeze in one last visit.

We love you, Tai Shan, and we’ll miss you!

Now, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, let’s get busy working on another baby before you have to move back to China too!