The zoo celebrated his birthday Thursday with a special frozen treat. The large "birthday cake" is made of water, bamboo, shredded beets and beet juice.
Tai Shan's birth made national headlines in 2005, and he's been a popular attraction for zoo visitors ever since. He is the first giant panda born at the National Zoo to survive more than a few weeks. Now he weighs more than 190 pounds.
The mother, Mei Xiang, and the father, Tian Tian, are on loan from China. Tai Shan could be moving to China later this year as an agreement for his stay comes to an end.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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