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
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.
Must-Reads
Take Our Restaurant Survey and You Could Win Dinner at a Mike Isabella Restaurant
10 Fall Festivals Near DC That You Don’t Want to Miss
Washingtonian’s Great Places to Work Application
DC is Getting an All-Male Burlesque Brunch
September 2016: How to Dress in DC
More from News & Politics
Photos and Scenes From the African American History Museum’s Opening Day
How History Museums Around the US Have Presented the African American Experience
Frederick Could Be an Urban Suburb of DC–Unless Its Good Ol’ Boy Past Gets in Its Way
Road Closures, Traffic Detours, and Security Information for the African American History Museum Opening
FDR Defended His Dog During a Campaign Speech in DC
DC’s Most Popular Baby Names Over the Years
How One Writer Told the Story of the New African American History Museum
The National Archives Just Released These GIFs of Old-Time DC—and They’re Awesome
Most Popular
100 Very Best Restaurants
The Best Cheap Restaurants in Washington, DC
Here’s What Happens When You Order Wine by the Spoon at the Trump Hotel
Meet 10 Washingtonians Who Are Changing What It Means to Dress Well in DC
Barton Gellman Hits Washington Post’s “Passive Aggressive Critique” of Its Own Snowden Reporting