Washington in the 2000s

When a Baby Panda at the National Zoo Captured DC Hearts

Witness the heartwarming arrival of a baby panda to the National Zoo in Washington, DC in 2005, capturing the city's attention and uniting its residents in awe and adoration. As Chef José Andrés explains, the excitement in Washington, DC was palpable when the adorable cub, initially known as Butterstick, was born. But an online competition to choose the Panda's name became heated.

When a Baby Panda at the National Zoo Captured DC Hearts

2m 31s

  • Washington in the 2000s: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Washington in the 2000s

    58m 30s

    WETA revisits the major events, people and developments that shaped Washington at the dawn of the new millennium. From 9/11 and the D.C. sniper to the return of Major League Baseball and a baby panda’s birth, the region experienced great highs and lows. Meanwhile, a massive wave of investment and growth transformed Washington into a hip foodie mecca, as traces of the old D.C. grew fainter.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.