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
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
A baby Tai Shan strikes a pose. Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
“Oh, look at me. I’m so cute.” Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Tai Shan gets a kiss. Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Tai Shan wrestles in the snow with mama Mei Xiang. Photograph by Ann Batdorf/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Tai Shan explores a new pool he received on his first birthday. Photograph by Ann Batdorf, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
A two-year-old Tai Shan surveys the season’s first major snowfall. Photograph by Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Peek-a-boo! Photograph by Jessie Cohen/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Rolly-polly Photograph by Flickr user Jeff Kubina
Tree hugger Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
He’s four! Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
A toothy grin. Photograph by Meghan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Munch, munch, munch . . . Photograph by Flickr user Bright_Star
Tai Shan eyes a carrot. Photograph by Flickr user clarissa~
Mei Xiang takes Tai Shan’s popsicle. Photograph by Flickr user DumbYellowDog
Big boy Photograph by Flickr user The Brit_2
Big boy Photograph by Flickr user The Brit_2
Tai Shan Photograph by Flick user ctankcycles
