Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao Prepare for Their Public Debut in the US

On January 9, 2025, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., hosted a special preview event for Chinese media, marking the first public appearance of two giant pandas from China, Qing Bao and Bao Li. This event served as a warm-up for their upcoming official debut, and it was an exciting opportunity for media reporters to capture the adorable moments of these two pandas.

Qing Bao, a female panda, and Bao Li, a male, arrived at the Smithsonian National Zoo in mid-October 2024 after a long journey from China. They have spent the past three months adjusting to their new surroundings and food, and according to zoo officials, they are now fully prepared to meet the public. The panda enclosure will officially open to the public on January 24, 2025, and zoo staff are thrilled about the upcoming event.

At the media preview event, Qing Bao and Bao Li were seen leisurely eating bamboo in their newly constructed enclosure. Qing Bao chewed on fresh bamboo leaves while looking around her new environment, while Bao Li focused on munching on bamboo stalks, occasionally lifting his head to interact with the gathered reporters. The pandas' cute and clumsy movements attracted widespread attention and photography from the reporters.

Both pandas have shown remarkable adaptability since their arrival. According to Michael Brown-Palsgrove, curator of the panda exhibit at the National Zoo, Qing Bao and Bao Li have increased in weight since coming to Washington, indicating their good health. They have also established a "good relationship" with their caregivers and can now "understand English," responding to their handlers' instructions.

The panda enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoo includes four indoor rooms and three outdoor yards, and both pandas have lived in all areas. Each panda has both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing them to move freely between the two during the day. Currently, Qing Bao and Bao Li reside in separate rooms, but they are aware of each other's presence and can see each other when climbing trees.

Qing Bao and Bao Li were born in August and September 2021, respectively, in Sichuan, China. Bao Li's mother is Bao Bao, who was born at the National Zoo, and his maternal grandparents are Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, who resided at the zoo for over 20 years. According to Brown-Palsgrove, Qing Bao and Bao Li have distinct personalities. Bao Li is very lively and loves attention, much like his mother Bao Bao, while Qing Bao is more independent and cautious, resembling Mei Xiang.

The male panda, Bao Li, currently weighs about 220 pounds (about 100 kilograms), and the female panda, Qing Bao, weighs about 176 pounds (about 80 kilograms), both within normal range. The pandas have taken a shine to the new climbing frames and other facilities built for them by the zoo and often play on them.

To prepare the pandas for the public, starting from January 10, zoo members can make appointments to view the pandas, with about 1,500 to 2,000 visitors per day. On January 24, when the panda exhibit officially opens to the public, nearly 10,000 visitors are expected daily, and there is likely to be a long line outside the panda enclosure.

Giant pandas are important symbols of friendly exchanges between China and the United States. Over the years, the Smithsonian National Zoo has collaborated with the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda to work together on panda breeding and scientific research. Qing Bao and Bao Li, as new members introduced through years of conservation research and exchange programs, will live at the zoo for some time, bringing joy to the public and promoting the cause of giant panda conservation.

As we eagerly await their official debut, let's hope Qing Bao and Bao Li continue to thrive in their new home and become cherished members of the Washington, D.C., community.