Two new giant pandas debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
Two new giant pandas debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Female giant panda Qing Bao in her habitat at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Oct. 23, 2024. NATIONAL ZOO/Roshan Patel

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (ZFJ) — Two new giant pandas made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) on Friday, Jan. 24.

NZCBI Director Brandie Smith unveiled pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao in a ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit on Friday.

“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” Smith said. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have won our hearts, and we’re excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo—the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free—and celebrate the newest chapter of our giant panda breeding and conservation program.”

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser were in attendance. Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng was also there to discuss “the impact of giant pandas as a symbol of global collaboration.”

The zoo relaunched the Giant Panda Cam, consisting of 40 cameras operated by specially trained volunteers, on the pandas’ debut day. Broadcasts are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., eastern time. The day’s recording is rebroadcast after 7:00 p.m. for global audiences.

The zoo is hosting a District of Panda Party—”a public celebration with special events and programs, including a Lunar New Year event”—from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9. The event will include family-friendly entertainment like Kung Fu Panda film screenings and cultural activities courtesy of the Chinese embassy.

The zoo previously housed giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, but was forced to return them to China on Nov. 8, 2023, following the expiration of its agreement with the Chinese government.

Fortunately for panda enthusiasts, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first face-to-face meeting shortly after the pandas’ departure. On Nov. 16, 2023, Xi promised to send more of the “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples” to the U.S.

The zoo announced on May 29, 2024, that it had reached a new agreement with the Chinese government, paving the way for the return of pandas to America’s capital.

Due to the low numbers of giant pandas, the Chinese government leases them to zoos globally on extremely strict conditions and as a tool of diplomacy and conservation.

Free zoo entry passes and paid parking passes should be reserved through the zoo’s website.

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