Such Incredible Memories

Two pictures of Zoo visitor Andie H., pictured on the left as a child and on the right as an adult, with pandas behind her.

Submitted by Andie H. of Cincinnati, Ohio

"The first time I saw pandas was back in 2004 when I was 11 years old and then I got to see them in 2022 at 29 at the Smithsonian. Couldn’t believe the same pandas were there too! I never would have thought I’d be returning here one day being a zookeeper, having traveled to China to volunteer at the Bifengxia panda base, and to now living my dream job back when my parents took me here as a kid. Maybe they knew. They definitely knew how excited and happy I was to be there, my love of pandas then and would be so proud of where I am today. Pandas will always bring me fond memories of my late parents, and I’m thankful they took me to D.C. all those years ago to see them. One of the many reasons I love my job, and zoos: they create such incredible memories."

Image courtesy of Andie H.

The Panda Memories Project

In September 2023, the Zoo invited members of the public to share their favorite moments with Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, Xiao Qi Ji and the rest of the pandas that have called Washington D.C., home. Here are their stories.

Continue Exploring

October 25, 2023

A Summer Ritual

"The last three panda babies are synonymous with my motherhood journey and my love affair with the Smithsonian's National Zoo. I had my first baby in 2008; we started going to the Zoo regularly when Lucas was an infant..."

October 25, 2023

Grief and a Tiny Little Bear

"My brother suddenly passed away in December 2005. A couple days after returning from his funeral, I remembered I had timed tickets to see Tai Shan. It was the furthest thing from my mind..."

October 02, 2023

Some Amazing Friends

"We saw this huge line and thought there was a concert. Instead, everyone was waiting to see a panda..."