Wish Tai Shan a Happy Birthday!
- by Brandon Fuller on Thursday, July 9, 2009
- Comments
Washington’s playful panda neighbor, Tai Shan, turns the big 4 today. Tai Shan is the first born son of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. When he was born he weighed just 1.82 pounds, but now comes in at 205.
Tai Shan’s life at the National Zoo isn’t just about giving joy to the many tourists and locals who visit him everyday, it’s also about research and education. The Zoo staff works with pandas to uncover new information about their reproductive habits, how they survive in the wild and how their habitat affects their behavior. If you want to donate to the Zoo’s panda work, which costs over $400,000 each year, donate on their website.
In honor of Tai Shan’s birthday, the National Zoo has set-up a virtual birthday card where you can leave your birthday wishes for our furry four year old friend. The birthday card is HERE.
Here are some highlights from the birthday wishes already left by his fans…
- Happy Birthday Tai Shan! You are the best ambassador we could every wish for… I, and everyone who loves you, will miss you dearly when you move on to China. You will always be in our Hearts.
- You are the now & the future, Happy Birthday “T”
- Butterstick!!! Or at least you will always have that name to me! You were born the summer I first moved to DC and I will always fondly recall how your birth mirrored my own newness to this wonderful world of Washington. I hope -we- never leave!
- You helped me get through the roughest part of breast cancer, and you have brightened our family’s life since you were born. I love you, Tai Shan! I’ll be there for your 4th birthday celebration with the special large fruitsickle – Ill be the one who is screaming and crying and laughing because I will be so happy to see you again.
- Happy birthday, Tai.. you adorable boo bear. Hard to believe you’re already 4 years old! I still remember watching you when you were a baby cubbie. Be good and enjoy your bear-day party.
“auntie Nicole” - Happy, happy birthday Tai! May your birthday be filled with fruitsicles, bamboo, carrots and sunshine We will see you tomorrow and can’t wait to celebrate with you in person!
Photo Credit: National Zoo Website
Sphere: Related ContentAbout the Author
Brandon Fuller has written 178 stories on this site.
Brandon Fuller works at the intersection of environmental policy and communications. Currently, he publishes a blog on environmental issues and green living that has been featured in the Washington Post Express, Washingtonian.com, GreenPlanet.com and more. He is also a member of the advisory committee for CarbonFreeDC, a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing DC-area residents to dramatically reduce local carbon emissions. He recently earned a law degree in environmental law and policy and has served as both a Law Clerk and Legislative Assistant for the State of Florida.
