As if there was any doubt, Bao Bao was named the winner of the Smithsonian Summer Showdown today, beating the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Folkways record label and National Portrait Gallery. As if trash talk could ever beat photos of a panda.
Her fans are psyched. Via the National Zoo’s Facebook page:
“YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH—— THIS IS HOW ME & BABY GIRL – LICIOUS FEELS —– CONGRATS SWEET GIRL – NO ONE DESERVES IT MORE – WHAT AWESOME FANS SHE HAS – GO GIRL !!!!!!!!”
“I hope the Smithsonian does this again next year, it was fun and not only because our baby girl won. I thought with elections the loser always conceded and congratulated the winner but I haven’t seen anything from the other three contenders yet.”
“Congratulations Princess Pinky Bao Bao you are #1”
“HOORAY!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for Bao Bao, her keepers, the cam operators, and all of us who love her so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“WTG Bao Bao – and (according to this pic) you are literally “UN-head-over-heels” our favorite cutie patootie, too!”
Of course, there are also haters:
“Funny that she represents the Smithsonian but doesn’t even belong to us. She’s only “rented” from China and has to go back.”
But that won’t stop Bao Bao lovers from celebrating her win and first birthday on Saturday. A public celebration will begin at 11 a.m. near her enclosure.
