It’s a boy! The giant panda cub had his first health exam on August 2, 2005, when National Zoo staff determined its gender. Photograph by Courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
The National Zoo’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. Suzan Murray, Curator of Primates and Giant Pandas Lisa Stevens and animal keeper Nicole Meese conducted a health exam on Tai Shan when he was a cub in 2005. Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
A baby Tai Shan strikes a pose. Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
“Oh, look at me. I’m so cute.” Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Tai Shan gets a kiss. Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Tai Shan wrestles in the snow with mama Mei Xiang. Photograph by Ann Batdorf/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Tai Shan explores a new pool he received on his first birthday. Photograph by Ann Batdorf, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
A two-year-old Tai Shan surveys the season’s first major snowfall. Photograph by Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Peek-a-boo! Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Rolly-polly Photograph by Flickr user Jeff Kubina
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Tree hugger Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
He’s four! Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
A toothy grin. Photograph by Meghan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Munch, munch, munch . . . Photograph by Flickr user Bright_Star
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Tai Shan eyes a carrot. Photograph by Flickr user clarissa~
Bye Bye, Butterstick: Tai Shan Goes to China
Mei Xiang takes Tai Shan’s popsicle. Photograph by Flickr user DumbYellowDog