National Zoo Welcomes New Giant Pandas

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., welcomed two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, marking the end of an 11-month absence of pandas at the facility. The new pandas arrived via the 'FedEx Panda Express' after a long journey from China, with Bao Li being notably connected to the zoo's history as the son of a previous resident panda. Under a 10-year loan agreement, the National Zoo will contribute $1 million annually to the China Wildlife Conservation Association and any offspring will belong to China. The pandas will undergo a 30-day quarantine period before being introduced to the public, during which parts of the zoo will remain closed. This event is significant as it's the first time in 24 years that new pandas have been added to the U.S. since the last three departed for China in November 2023. The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao reflects a long-standing diplomatic tradition between the U.S. and China involving giant pandas.