Giant Panda Cub Receives a Fitting Name for a ‘Little Miracle’

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 24, 2020 1:02 am

The giant panda cub now known as Xiao Qi Ji is checked by keepers

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

After 135,000 votes were cast during the public poll the giant panda cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo now has a name. The little one has been named Xiao Qi Ji (pronounced SHIAU-chi-ji) which translates as ‘little miracle’ in English.

This was one of four names which were included in the public poll which was live for five days.

The chosen name reflects the extraordinary circumstances under which he was born and celebrates the collaboration between colleagues who strive to conserve this species.

A video of the giant panda cub being named

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

“Connecting people around the world with nature, whether in person or in this virtual setting, is a cornerstone of our mission to conserve and protect giant pandas for future generations,” said Steve Monfort, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

“Like many who have followed our giant panda cub since his birth last summer, I tune into the Giant Panda Cam from time to time. Watching Xiao Qi Ji always puts a smile on my face. We are grateful that those who share in our joy have helped us pick the perfect name for our panda cub.”

Xiao Qi Ji during halloween celebrations at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

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Xiao Qi Ji was born on August 21st 2020 at 1.35pm with the birth live streamed on the zoo’s panda cam. Since then people around the world have enjoyed watching the cub grow up under the care of mum Mei Xiang. The father of the cub is the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s resident male panda, Tian Tian.

As part of the Zoo’s cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association the cub will remain at the zoo for four years before being returned to China. The current cooperative breeding agreement expires on December 7th with negotiations ongoing in regards to the future of this.

Xiao Qi Ji during a health check when he was younger

Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Learn more about giant pandas here – Giant Panda Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on their website – Smithsonian’s National Zoo