logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
25m 55s

Why are pandas black and white?

Vermont Public
About this episode
For the past 50 years, visitors to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. were able to see giant pandas. But recently, China asked for those pandas back. (Technically, all pandas in the United States are considered “on loan” from China.) With pandas in the news, we’re bringing back the episode from our 2022 field trip to the zoo. Zookeeper Mariel Lally answered all of your panda questions. Among the questions we tackled: Why do animals live in the zoo? Why are pandas black and white? Do pandas hibernate? How can we save the pandas? Check out our social media pages for lots of pictures! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Up next
Nov 14
How big is a Macy's parade balloon?
<p>The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition. It’s been going since 1924. This year marks the 99th parade (it took three years off during World War II). It’s famous for elaborate floats and huge character balloons that bob above the streets as the parade marches ... Show More
36m 4s
Oct 31
Why are there so many colors?
<p>What’s your favorite color? Where do colors come from?Why do people see colors? Does everyone see colors the same way? How many colors are there in the world? We learn about colors with Kassia St. Clair, the author of a book called <em>The Secret Lives of Color</em>. We talk a ... Show More
26m 26s
Oct 17
How is candy made?
<p>Who invented candy? Why is it so sweet? Why does hard candy melt in your mouth? How are candy corn, gummies and nerds made? What makes pop rocks pop? We talk with traditional candy makers at <a href="https://stickyusa.com/"><strong>Sticky</strong></a> in California and <a href ... Show More
19m 42s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
The soft power of China’s pandas
<p>Today, why the United States is saying goodbye to its pandas. And how the bears became a powerful diplomatic symbol of U.S.-China relations.</p><p><br></p><p>Read more:</p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For decades, </span><a hr ... Show More
26m 5s
Jul 2025
Pourquoi parle-t-on de la « diplomatie du panda » ?
RediffusionLes relations entre les États ne passent pas seulement par les canaux traditionnels de la diplomatie. Elles peuvent emprunter d'autres voies, comme le sport.Mais la Chine en a imaginé une autre, encore plus originale. Pour nouer des contacts avec d'autres pays, elle ut ... Show More
1m 54s
Jun 2024
‘Panda diplomacy’: China gifts pandas to Taiwan
In 2008, panda-mania hit Taiwan when China gifted the country two giant pandas.This practice known as ‘panda diplomacy’ is thought to date back as far as the 7th Century.Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan flew into Taiwan and became instant celebrities.Eve Chen, curator of the Giant Panda H ... Show More
10m 5s
May 2021
Ada and Gio Find A Magic Flower To Save The Panda
Today at the zoo, Ada and Gio are celebrating the 10 year birthday of the zoo! All the animals got to eat special treats, but the Panda ate his Apple pie too quickly and now doesn't feel good. It's up to them to find the magical flower that will make the Panda feel better! Learn ... Show More
11m 4s
Jun 2023
EP37 red pandas
Willow has been here at the prospect park zoo for about three years, she is pretty great gregarious ,charismatic ,obviously ,very cute . She is just a lot of fun to work with . In the wild , red pandas would spend a lot of time up in trees , red pandas are endangered so it’s impo ... Show More
2m 11s
Dec 2023
From “What Next”: Wait, China’s Taking Our Pandas Back?
FT News Briefing presents&nbsp;<a href="https://slate.com/podcasts/what-next/2023/09/panda-diplomacy-how-china-wields-its-giant-pandas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a special episode from Slate’s “What Next” podcast</a>, hosted by Mary Harris. Everybody loves pandas— ... Show More
28m 35s
Aug 2023
Kaala & Chuff: "Be Excellent to Each Other!"
This is it! The final episode of Season 6: Kaala & Chuff's Excellent Adventure. The two friends solved the biggest mystery in red panda history and learned a lot along the way. Today, we're going to wrap it up with a bow by talking about what we can do to help our red panda and s ... Show More
21m 2s