Shanghaiist's mom wants you to look at a baby panda
Shanghaiist has received several emails about pandas recently, mostly from slightly-older-than-middle-aged women. It seems a baby giant panda was born at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, in July -- and since pandas are Chinese and Shangahiist lives in China, we are supposed to care. And, although it has nothing to do with Shanghai, the birth is kind of a big deal. Giant pandas are critically endangered, with only 1,600 currently living in the wild.
The son of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the baby panda is currently nameless. But, don't fear, you can help name him by voting for one of five mediocre names:
Hua Sheng (hwah-SHUNG), means China Washington, magnificent
Sheng Hua (SHUNG-hwah), means Washington China, magnificent
Tai Shan (tie-SHON), means peaceful mountain
Long Shan (lohng-SHON), means dragon mountain
Qiang Qiang (chee-ONG chee-ONG), means strong, powerful
According to the zoo website, "One lucky person, randomly selected among all voters, will receive a trip for two to Washington, D.C., (including round-trip air transportation and hotel accommodations) and a private, up-close visit with the pandas." Deadline is Sept. 30, but Shanghaiist suspects they may not pay airfare from Shanghai. If you don't happen to win the chance to see the pandas up close and personal, there's always Animal Planet's "Panda Cam."
Related:
Chinese Try to Get Chimp to Quit Smoking (AP)
