Welcome to Washington, Panda Bao Li and Qing Bao!

October 16, 2024

The excitement was palpable in the air as Washington, D.C., welcomed two new residents on October 15, 2024. Bao Li and Qing Bao, two adorable giant pandas, arrived at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, marking the beginning of their decade-long residency in the United States. This event not only brought joy to animal lovers but also strengthened the conservation efforts between China and the United States.

Bao Li, a male panda born in August 2021, and Qing Bao, a female panda born in September of the same year, left the Dujiangyan Base of the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda in the evening of October 14. They were transported to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, where they boarded a special flight destined for Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. The journey was smooth, and the pandas arrived safely on October 15, greeted by eager staff and well-wishers at the zoo.

The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao has been highly anticipated. Their personalities are as charming as their appearance. Bao Li, with his playful demeanor and love for climbing, is known to be quite active and enjoys interacting with his mother, Baobao. Qing Bao, equally lively, complements Bao Li perfectly. Their arrival at the National Zoological Park marks a new chapter in giant panda conservation and international cooperation.

To ensure the well-being of Bao Li and Qing Bao during their stay, Chinese experts conducted several assessments of their living environment, feeding management, food supply, and health care at the Washington National Zoo. Based on the experts' recommendations, the zoo has upgraded the panda enclosure, ensuring a steady supply of bamboo and bamboo shoots, which are staples of the pandas' diet. A professional feeding management team has been assembled, and a comprehensive feeding management system and technical specifications have been established. Regular health monitoring reports and on-site inspection and evaluation mechanisms have been strengthened to provide the best possible care for the pandas.

In addition to the upgraded facilities, such as fresh lawns and pools, the zoo has also added more climbing structures to cater to the pandas' active nature. Earlier this month, four zookeepers and veterinarians from the Washington National Zoo traveled to China to participate in the feeding management and disease prevention work for Bao Li and Qing Bao. Similarly, two keepers and a veterinarian from the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda will accompany the pandas in Washington to help them adapt to their new environment as quickly as possible.

The collaboration between the Washington National Zoo and China in giant panda conservation dates back 24 years, during which time pandas such as Tai Shan, Bao Bao, Bei Bei, and Xiao Qi Ji have been successfully bred and survived. The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao continues this tradition of cooperation and conservation.

The excitement surrounding the pandas' arrival was evident throughout Washington. A bakery near the zoo even created panda-themed desserts to celebrate the occasion. Residents and visitors alike flocked to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the new arrivals, who were settling into their new home in the panda exhibit.

The significance of Bao Li and Qing Bao's residency extends beyond their cute appearance and playful antics. It represents a commitment to conservation and international cooperation. Giant pandas are endangered, with only a few thousand left in the wild. Through breeding programs and international collaborations, like the one between China and the United States, conservationists aim to protect and increase the panda population.

Bao Li and Qing Bao's journey to Washington is not just a personal adventure; it's a global effort to preserve biodiversity and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures. Their presence at the National Zoological Park serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the role that everyone can play in protecting endangered species.

As Bao Li and Qing Bao explore their new surroundings and adjust to their new home, we can all take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these incredible animals and the efforts being made to ensure their future. Welcome to Washington, Bao Li and Qing Bao! We're thrilled to have you here and look forward to watching you grow and thrive in your new environment.