The National Zoo’s giant panda cub will officially get a name on December 1. Photograph courtesy of the National Zoo.
In an announcement to rival the massive buzz surrounding Kanye and Kim Kardashian’s naming of their offspring, the National Zoo has launched a public forum for naming its own baby: the giant panda cub born August 23 to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The zoo has created a webpage where people can vote on the name of the cub, which, according to Chinese tradition, is not officially given until the cub is 100 days old. The voting began Tuesday, and the winning name will be announced on Sunday, December 1, the cub’s 100-day birthday.
The names on the ballot were submitted by Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai, American ambassador to China Gary Locke and his family, and giant panda keepers from the National Zoo, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, and the Friends of the National Zoo.
Here are the Mandarin names and their meaning, according to the zoo:
Bao Bao (宝宝)—precious, treasure.
Ling Hua (玲花)—darling, delicate flower.
Long Yun (龙韵)—Long is the Chinese symbol of the dragon, Yun means charming. Combined this represents a sign of luck for panda cooperation between China and the US.
Mulan (木兰)—a legendary young woman, a smart and brave Chinese warrior from the fifth century; it also means magnolia flower in Chinese.
Zhen Bao (珍宝)—treasure, valuable.
Have a better idea? Tell us your suggestion for a name for the new panda in the comments section below.
Here’s Your Chance to Vote for the Name of the National Zoo’s Panda Cub
Her name will be announced on December 1.
In an announcement to rival the massive buzz surrounding Kanye and Kim Kardashian’s naming of their offspring, the National Zoo has launched a public forum for naming its own baby: the giant panda cub born August 23 to Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The zoo has created a webpage where people can vote on the name of the cub, which, according to Chinese tradition, is not officially given until the cub is 100 days old. The voting began Tuesday, and the winning name will be announced on Sunday, December 1, the cub’s 100-day birthday.
The names on the ballot were submitted by Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai, American ambassador to China Gary Locke and his family, and giant panda keepers from the National Zoo, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong, and the Friends of the National Zoo.
Here are the Mandarin names and their meaning, according to the zoo:
Bao Bao (宝宝)—precious, treasure.
Ling Hua (玲花)—darling, delicate flower.
Long Yun (龙韵)—Long is the Chinese symbol of the dragon, Yun means charming. Combined this represents a sign of luck for panda cooperation between China and the US.
Mulan (木兰)—a legendary young woman, a smart and brave Chinese warrior from the fifth century; it also means magnolia flower in Chinese.
Zhen Bao (珍宝)—treasure, valuable.
Have a better idea? Tell us your suggestion for a name for the new panda in the comments section below.
Most Popular in News & Politics
A DNC Official Will Run for Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Seat
Want to Search Donald Trump’s Truth Social Posts? A New Site Is Here to Help.
AC Problem Closes Four Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall
“Christ or Chaos”: A Conservative Church With Political Ties Comes to Washington
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
Arlington Unleashes Robots on Its Sidewalks
Gayle King on Giving Her First Commencement Speech at UMD
Trump Denies He Doodled Naked Lady for Epstein, Youngkin Visits Iowa, and Dan Snyder’s Old House Got Even Cheaper
Senate to Big Bird: Drop Dead; Trump Orders Coca-Cola to Use Sugar; and We Found Great Taiwanese Lunch at a Gas Station
No, You’re Not the Only One Dealing With DCA Flight Anxiety
“Christ or Chaos”: A Conservative Church With Political Ties Comes to Washington
A Look Inside the Spy Museum’s Long-Awaited Vault Collection
Trayon White Wins Election to Replace Trayon White, Trump Claimed His Uncle Taught the Unabomber, and We Tried Some Canadian Snacks