Washington D.C.’s National Zoo has recently acquired two new adorable residents, Bao Li and Qing Bao, two years old giant pandas from China. The long-term panda conservation partnership between the United States and China concerns these pandas, as well.
About Bao Li
Name and Its Meaning:
Bao and Li are Mandarin Chinese words meaning precious or treasure and vitality and strength, respectively. Subsequently, “Bao Li” means an active power of vitality.
Date and Place of Birth:
Bao Li was born on August 4, 2021, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Sichuan. The panda’s lineage is impressive. Bao Bao, his mother, was born in 2013 at the National Zoo, and his grandparents, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, were also the National Zoo’s residents for a long period.
Place of Residence Before Coming to Washington D.C.:
The panda came from the Shenshuping Base, Wolong.
About Qing Bao
Name and Its Meaning:
Qing means green, which is close to the color of panda’s environment. Bao, in turn, means precious or treasure. Thus, the panda’s name signifies her cherished status.
Date and Place of Birth:
Qing Bao was born on September 12, 2021. She has a sister, named Qing Yue, and her father is Qing Qing, a six years old panda born at the Wolong Base in Sichuan, China.
Place of Residence Before Coming to Washington D.C.:
Qing Bao’s previous residence was the Dujiangyan Base, Sichuan.
The Transfer Process from China to Washington D.C.
One should note that the pandas’ transfer was thoroughly planned. They were transported to Washington D.C. by a FedEx special flight from Chengdu. In Alaska, the pandas had a stop for refueling purposes as the flight time was almost 19 hours. Subsequently, the pandas were brought to the National Zoo.
As per the novel research and breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the animals will remain ten years in the zoo. Nevertheless, a mandatory quarantine of at least 30 days, which aims to ensure panda’s health, is mandatory for the two pandas. The zoo’s facilities have been upgraded for the pandas’ presence and comply with their natural environment the most. The living conditions include climbing facilities, water elements, and enhanced air quality systems for panda’s comfort.
Pandas attract people’s attention enormously. Notably, Washington D.C.’s National Zoo has a history of promoting panda diplomacy and boosting conservation efforts between countries. Starting January 24, 2023, Bao Li and Qing Bao, the playful creatures, will be available for a public visit.
Conservation Efforts
This initiative is significant for the zoo’s contribution to the nature and systematic efforts to conserve the planet’s biodiversity. As a provision of the agreement, the National Zoo is also under an obligation to pay annually for the panda conservation purpose in China. The allowance will be used to support research efforts in the field.
Thus, the recent two additions of China’s pandas in Washington D.C.’s National Zoo marks a new chapter in panda conservation, suggesting numerous plans and arrangements to look forward in the upcoming years.
