The Zoo entered into its Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) in December 2000 when giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the Zoo. The Zoo team and colleagues have made groundbreaking advances in reproductive science, healthcare, disease treatment, and exponentially increased the understanding of panda behavior, biology, and the mother-cub relationship. Animal care staff and scientists have studied giant panda biology, behavior, breeding, reproduction, and disease. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute have had giant pandas under their care since 1972.
