In a time of global uncertainty, a little panda has become a symbol of hope, a ray of light in difficult times. Xiao Qi Ji was born on August 21, 2020, at Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC., Xiao Qi Ji (小奇迹 / Xiaoqiji), whose name means "Little Miracle." He is the fruit of an exceptional event. His birth, in fact, occurred when his mother, Mei Xiang, She was 22 years old, an age at which female giant pandas rarely give birth successfully. This happy event, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, was followed in real time by millions of people around the world, transforming Xiao Qi Ji into a universal symbol of rebirth and continuity.
Panda Xiao Qi Jiati and information about Xiao Qi Ji
- Name: Xiao Qi Ji (小奇迹)
- Meaning of the name: Little miracle
- Type: Male
- Date of birth: August 21, 2020
- Place of birth: Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington DC.
- Father: Tian Tian (添添)
- Mother: Mei Xiang (美香)
- Brothers: Ao Ao (傲傲), Bao Bao (宝宝), Bei Bei (贝贝), Tai Shan (泰山)
An extraordinary birth
The birth of Xiao Qi Ji was a triumph for giant panda conservation. Mei Xiang, one of the oldest females to have successfully given birth, had him through artificial insemination. Given his mother's age and the context of severe global isolation, his arrival was seen as a sign of hope and resilience.
The Smithsonian National Zoo livestreamed every crucial moment on a 24-hour Panda Cam. The anticipation and excitement were such that the site temporarily crashed due to record traffic. The images of the tiny miracle, newborn and still pink, went viral, capturing the attention of international media.
The name “Little Miracle”
As per tradition, Xiao Qi Ji's name was chosen through an online public contest, organized by the Zoo from November 16 to 20, 2020, on the occasion of her 100th day of life. Among the proposals were: It was Zai ("fortune"), Xiao Qi Ji (“little miracle”), Xing Fu (“happiness”) and Zai Zai. The victory of the name Xiao Qi Ji It was overwhelming. A tribute to the miracle of his birth and the message of hope he brought with him.
The Early Years of Panda Xiao Qi Ji
At birth, Xiao Qi Ji weighed just 85 to 142 grams. But in less than a year, he grew to over 27 kilograms. His growth was followed live online by thousands of fans, who witnessed his first steps, his first playtime, and even his first taste of sweet potato. Every step forward was enthusiastically chronicled and shared on the Smithsonian National Zoo's official social media channels, transforming him into a digital star and a global ambassador for giant panda conservation.
The return to China
On October 25, 2023, preparations began for the return of Xiao Qi Ji and her parents to China, as required by international agreements between the United States and China for the protection of the species. On November 8, 2023, the panda family left Washington aboard a special flight bound for Chengdu, landing the next day at Chengdu International Airport. Shuangliu, in Sichuan province.
After arriving, Xiao Qi Ji was transferred to the Wolong Shenshuping Base, part of the giant panda conservation network, where he completed his quarantine period and began a new phase of his life. From a symbol of American hope, he returned to the roots of his species, continuing to inspire millions around the world.