Daily Animal Facts

On July 27, 2000, Mei Xiang, the giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., gave birth to Tai Shan, the first panda cub to survive to adulthood at the zoo. As of July 27, 2024, Tai Shan is 8766 days (approximately 24 years) old! He represents a significant success in panda conservation efforts, having contributed to the understanding of panda reproduction and care.

On July 26, 2013, a giant panda cub was born at the Madrid Zoo in Spain. This was a momentous occasion, as panda births in captivity are rare and carefully monitored. The birth marked a significant achievement for the zoo's panda breeding program, contributing to the global effort to conserve this endangered species. The unnamed cub weighed just 150 grams (0.33 pounds) at birth, less than 1/1000th of her mother’s weight. What a tiny baby!

On July 25, 1908, the Arabian Horse Registry of America (now the Arabian Horse Association) was officially established. This marked a pivotal moment in preserving and promoting the purity and excellence of the Arabian horse breed in the United States. The Arabian horse is renowned for its stamina and long lifespan, many living over 30 years. An average Arabian horse lifespan of 30 years is equal to approximately 10,950 days, highlighting the long-term impact and dedication required for a breeding program focused on this magnificent animal.

On July 24, 2017, a stranded baby sea otter, later named Joey, was rescued off the coast of California. After initial care, Joey was deemed non-releasable and found a permanent home at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. Joey's arrival marked a significant success story in sea otter conservation. At the time of his rescue, Joey was estimated to be only 3 weeks old, meaning he had already lived approximately 504 hours! Joey thrived at Shedd Aquarium, delighting visitors and becoming an important ambassador for his species.

On July 23, 2014, a Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) hatched at the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI) farm in the Philippines. This wasn't just any hatching; it was a symbol of hope for this critically endangered species, which at the time had an estimated wild population of only about 92-137 individuals. The tiny hatchling, weighing approximately 70 grams (0.15 lbs) at birth, represented a massive victory for conservation efforts. If this little croc grows to the expected adult size of 3 meters (9.8 feet), it would have grown 4,285 times its original hatchling length. Its weight at full size would increase by 7,142 times its original weight if it grows to 500 kilograms (1102.3 lbs).

On July 22, 1989, Kenya made a monumental decision, burning 12 tons (10.9 tonnes) of ivory and declaring a national ban on the ivory trade. This act, led by President Daniel arap Moi, dramatically symbolized Kenya's commitment to protecting its elephant population. At the time, the average African elephant weighed approximately 6 tons (5.4 tonnes). Therefore, the ivory burned represented the potential lives of at least *two* elephants, and likely far more, highlighting the devastating impact of poaching.

On July 21, 2000, Mei Xiang, a giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., gave birth to a cub named Tai Shan after artificial insemination. This marked a significant success in the efforts to conserve the endangered giant panda population. Tai Shan thrived, eventually returning to China in 2010 to participate in the panda breeding program. During Tai Shan's time in DC he delighted millions, and on the 21st of July 2024, he will be 23 years old which means he will have lived for 8395 days!