First Lady Pat Nixon Welcoming the Giant Pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, DC
4/20/1972
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The Chinese government gave two pandas, known as Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, to the United States following President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in February 1972. Nixon’s trip opened diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries and was one of the most successful achievements of his administration.
On April 20, 1972, First Lady Pat Nixon officially accepted the gift of the People’s Republic of China and declared, "I think 'panda-monium' is going to break out at the zoo." Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing were the top attractions at the zoo until their deaths in the 1990s. China also received goodwill ambassadors. The United States gave China a pair of musk oxen, named Milton and Matilda, from the San Francisco zoo in exchange.
On April 20, 1972, First Lady Pat Nixon officially accepted the gift of the People’s Republic of China and declared, "I think 'panda-monium' is going to break out at the zoo." Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing were the top attractions at the zoo until their deaths in the 1990s. China also received goodwill ambassadors. The United States gave China a pair of musk oxen, named Milton and Matilda, from the San Francisco zoo in exchange.
This primary source comes from the Collection RN-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection (Nixon Administration).
National Archives Identifier: 66394282
Full Citation: Photograph WHPO-8931-15; First Lady Pat Nixon Formally Welcoming the Giant Pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, DC; 4/20/1972; Nixon White House Photographs, 1/20/1969 - 8/9/1974; Collection RN-WHPO: White House Photo Office Collection (Nixon Administration); Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda, CA. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/pat-nixon-welcoming-pandas, October 4, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
