New Giant Pandas Captivate Visitors at the National Zoo

Get ready to meet two new stars at the National Zoo! Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas from China, arrived in January 2025, bringing excitement back to Washington, D.C., after a year without pandas. Their journey was nothing short of extraordinary:

1. They flew aboard the FedEx Panda Express, departing Chengdu on October 14 and landing at Dulles International Airport the next day.

2. With animal care experts by their side, they traveled in comfort with bamboo, corn bread, carrots, and even medicine packed for the trip.

3. After arriving, they were carefully transported by truck to their new home at the zoo.

Why is their arrival so special? In 2023, Washington, D.C., saw nearly 26 million visitors—a record-breaking number! With Bao Li and Qing Bao now part of the National Zoo, these us pandas are sure to draw even bigger crowds while inspiring curiosity and love for wildlife.

Meet the New US Pandas

Bao Li and Qing Bao’s names, ages, and origins

Let’s learn about these cute new zoo residents! Bao Li and Qing Bao are both two years old. They come from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). Though they have different parents, they share the same birthplace. This makes them a great pair to show off the beauty of giant pandas. Here’s a quick look at their details:

These young pandas are already winning hearts with their playful energy. Watching them explore their new home at the National Zoo is a treat!

Unique traits and personalities of the pandas

What makes Bao Li and Qing Bao so special? Each panda has its own personality that makes them unique. Bao Li is very curious. He loves climbing trees and exploring his space. Qing Bao is more relaxed. She enjoys resting in the shade and eating bamboo.

Did you know pandas have cool ways to communicate? They use scent marks and sounds to talk to each other. Since pandas don’t rely on sight much, these methods are very important. Even though pandas like being alone, they sometimes share areas with others. Watching Bao Li and Qing Bao will show you these amazing behaviors.

Here are some fun facts about giant pandas:

• They use scent marks to claim space and talk to others.

• Male pandas often share parts of their home ranges.

• Pandas don’t use visual signals, so scents are key for them.

Seeing Bao Li and Qing Bao will help you understand how smart and special pandas are.

Their role in fostering excitement and curiosity among visitors

Bao Li and Qing Bao’s arrival has brought excitement back to the zoo. After a year without pandas, visitors are thrilled to see them. Last year, the zoo had fewer visitors, but Bao Li and Qing Bao are changing that. Over 1,000 new memberships have been sold since they arrived. People clearly love these furry ambassadors!

When you visit, you’ll see how these pandas bring joy and curiosity. Both kids and adults enjoy their playful behavior and calm nature. Bao Li and Qing Bao are more than just animals. They are symbols of conservation and global friendship. They remind us to protect wildlife and care for nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Come meet Bao Li and Qing Bao and enjoy the wonder of giant pandas!

Preparations at the National Zoo

Changes to the Asia Trail exhibit for the pandas

The National Zoo made big changes for Bao Li and Qing Bao. The David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat got major upgrades. These updates keep the pandas safe and help them live happily.

New rock areas with shallow pools were added for cooling off. Bamboo stands now give them plenty of food, like in nature. Multi-level climbing spots are perfect for Bao Li’s love of adventure. Fun items were also added to keep their minds active and healthy.

These changes aren’t just for the pandas. Visitors will enjoy watching them explore their new home. Seeing Bao Li and Qing Bao in this improved space is unforgettable.

Panda-themed events and fun for visitors

The fun doesn’t stop at the panda habitat. The zoo planned special panda-themed events to celebrate Bao Li and Qing Bao. These activities are for all ages and help people learn about wildlife.

Events include panda storytime for kids and bamboo planting workshops. There are also panda movie nights and guided tours about giant pandas. These tours teach about pandas and why conservation is important.

Panda events are always popular. For example, Edinburgh Zoo saw 50% more visitors when pandas arrived. Chengdu Panda Base in China gets over 7 million visitors yearly. These events entertain and inspire people to care about animals.

Special care for Bao Li and Qing Bao

The zoo works hard to care for Bao Li and Qing Bao. Their meals include fresh bamboo, fruits, and panda cakes. Experts and vets check on them daily to keep them healthy and happy.

A quiet area was made for the pandas to relax away from crowds. This private space helps them feel calm and adjust to their new home. With this care, Bao Li and Qing Bao can thrive and teach people about their species.

Panda Diplomacy and International Collaboration

The historical importance of panda diplomacy

Did you know pandas have helped countries work together for years? This practice, called "panda diplomacy," has been used to build friendships between nations. China shares pandas as gifts or loans to show goodwill and strengthen ties during important times.

Here’s a quick look at key moments in panda diplomacy:

These events show pandas are more than cute animals. They’ve been used to build trust between countries. For example, when President Nixon visited China in 1972, pandas sent to the National Zoo symbolized a new friendship between the two nations.

How Bao Li and Qing Bao improve U.S.-China relations

Bao Li and Qing Bao are not just new zoo animals. They are part of the long tradition of panda diplomacy. Their arrival in Washington, D.C., shows efforts to keep U.S.-China relations strong.

When you visit the zoo, you’re seeing more than pandas. You’re seeing a symbol of teamwork between nations. The loan of Bao Li and Qing Bao shows that even during tough times, countries can work together. These pandas remind us that shared goals, like saving wildlife, can bring people closer.

By hosting Bao Li and Qing Bao, the U.S. helps global conservation efforts. This partnership benefits both countries and builds respect. Isn’t it amazing how two pandas can connect people?

Pandas as symbols of peace and friendship

Pandas are seen as symbols of kindness and unity. Their calm nature and unique look make them loved worldwide. China uses this love for pandas to build friendships with other nations.

For example, when Mao Zedong gave pandas to the Soviet Union in 1957, it was a sign of friendship. Over time, gifting pandas changed to loaning them, focusing on conservation and cultural exchange. Today, pandas like Bao Li and Qing Bao act as goodwill ambassadors, reminding us to work together to protect nature.

When you watch Bao Li and Qing Bao at the National Zoo, you’re seeing more than playful animals. You’re witnessing the power of cultural diplomacy. These pandas encourage cooperation and show how small acts can improve international relationships.

Conservation Efforts for Giant Pandas

The National Zoo’s work to save pandas

The National Zoo has helped protect giant pandas for many years. Their efforts have saved pandas in zoos and in the wild. In 2020, they celebrated a big success. Xiao Qi Ji, a panda cub, was born using frozen-thawed semen. This was the first time it happened outside China. It was a huge step for science and panda conservation!

The zoo also works with other countries to keep pandas healthy. Did you know only 12 pandas live in U.S. zoos, including Bao Li and Qing Bao? Most pandas in captivity—about 500—are in China. By teaming up, zoos and experts are giving pandas a better future.

Because of these efforts, the panda population grew from 1,600 in 2010 to 1,800 today. Experts think it could reach 2,000 by 2030. That’s great news for pandas!

Panda research and breeding programs

Breeding pandas is hard, but scientists have made big progress. At the National Zoo, they study panda behavior and health. This research has led to important discoveries, like how pandas pick mates. When pandas choose their own partners, they are more likely to have cubs.

Here’s what researchers have learned:

These findings help pandas in zoos and in nature. They also support efforts to release pandas back into the wild.

Teaching people about panda conservation

You can help pandas too! The National Zoo teaches visitors about these amazing animals. Over the years, they’ve trained over 1,500 people in conservation skills. These lessons include studying wildlife and managing panda genetics.

The zoo also hosts fun events to teach about pandas. You can join a bamboo planting workshop or take a tour about panda habitats. These activities make learning about pandas fun and easy to remember.

When you visit Bao Li and Qing Bao, you’re helping save pandas. Every ticket, membership, or donation supports research and education. Together, we can protect pandas and other endangered animals.

Visitor Experience at the National Zoo

What visitors can expect when seeing Bao Li and Qing Bao

Get ready for an exciting visit to the National Zoo! Bao Li and Qing Bao have a fun schedule of events to welcome them. Here’s what’s planned:

At the zoo, you’ll see Bao Li climbing trees and Qing Bao enjoying bamboo in their new home. Can’t visit in person? The Giant Panda Cam lets you watch them online anytime. Whether you come for the Lunar New Year or a quiet day, these pandas will make your visit special.

Early reactions and stories from visitors

People are already loving Bao Li and Qing Bao. Visitors have shared their excitement and feelings about seeing the pandas. Here’s what they’re saying:

• "Watching them play made me feel like a kid again!"

• "The staff made sure everyone had a great view. I felt so close to the pandas."

• "Seeing Bao Li climb reminded me why protecting their habitats is so important."

These stories show how much joy the pandas bring. Families, students, and panda fans leave the zoo with happy memories they’ll always treasure.

How the pandas inspire a love for wildlife and conservation

Bao Li and Qing Bao are more than adorable—they teach us about conservation. The National Zoo’s programs show millions why saving wildlife matters. Some students even travel to China to learn about pandas firsthand.

When you visit Bao Li and Qing Bao, you’re helping protect wildlife. These pandas remind us to care for the planet and its amazing animals. 🌱🐼

Bao Li and Qing Bao bring happiness to the National Zoo. Their fun actions and calm nature show why pandas are amazing. Watching them climb trees, munch on bamboo, or rest quietly is unforgettable.

Note: These pandas are more than cute—they stand for saving wildlife and global teamwork. They remind us how important it is to protect animals and work together worldwide.

You can join this exciting journey. Come to the National Zoo to see Bao Li and Qing Bao yourself. Every visit helps save pandas and other endangered species. Don’t miss meeting these lovable stars! 🌱🐼