Snow in Washington, D.C. today, Feb. 20, brought out the playful side of the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Twenty-year-old Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and three-year-old Bei Bei (BAY-BAY) spent their mornings eating bamboo and rolling in the snow. Giant pandas are adapted to cold weather and their thick woolly fur keeps them warm and dry, even in snow. The Zoo is inviting visitors to celebrate pandas Saturday, Feb. 23. The Zoo and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China are hosting a giant panda housewarming party, sponsored by Airbnb. The party to celebrate the new visitor exhibit inside the panda house will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include free dumplings until 11 a.m., free hot chcolate until 2 p.m., and special scientist and keeper talks. For the first time ever, visitors will receive a free special limited edition print of an original painting by Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), Mei Xiang and Bei Bei. The prints will be available in the Panda Plaza gift shop, one-per-family, while supplies last.
