“We’re going big because they’re going home,” says the Zoo.

The zoo has a slate of events planned in the coming weeks to mark 50 years of its giant panda program.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo announced a three-year extension of its giant panda agreement Monday.

Meet Xiao Qi Ji, which translates to “Little Miracle,” a baby panda whose birth and naming are moments of joy during the pandemic.

After making its furless, screeching internet debut in August, Mei Xiang’s cub has started to look increasingly like a giant panda in recent weeks.

The cub’s sex was determined via genetic testing of a cheek swab taken at his first veterinary exam on Sept. 19.

You might want to turn down your volume.

The zoo has typically waited 100 days to reveal the cub’s name, but the announcement could look different this year.

Zookeepers said the cub provided strong vocalizations and signs of nursing.

Mei Xiang could give birth as soon as this weekend.