Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas, are set to arrive at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, later this year under a decade-long breeding and research agreement. This announcement was made by U.S. First Lady Jill Biden and officials, marking a new phase in panda diplomacy between China and the United States.
The pandas’ arrival comes as a pleasant surprise, particularly amid the current tensions between Washington and Beijing. The National Zoo celebrated the announcement, highlighting the return of these beloved animals to the nation and the world. First Lady Jill Biden expressed her excitement on social media, emphasizing the joy that these pandas will bring to children and visitors.
With only a few giant pandas remaining in the U.S., the departure of the previous pandas from the National Zoo six months ago left a significant gap. However, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at a summit in California last November, President Xi indicated that China would send new pandas as symbols of friendship between the two nations.
The White House welcomed the news, expressing enthusiasm about the continuation of the breeding and conservation partnership with China. Brandie Smith of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute noted the historical significance of this collaboration, emphasizing its positive impact.
Panda diplomacy has been a key aspect of Sino-American relations since 1972, when the first pandas were gifted to the U.S. following President Richard Nixon’s visit to China. In recent years, strained relations have led to some pandas being recalled to China. The last pandas at the National Zoo, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, returned to China in November. The remaining U.S.-based pandas in Atlanta are also scheduled to return to China this year.
Bao Li and Qing Bao, both two years old, were born at a conservation center in Sichuan province. Bao Li, a male, is the descendant of a notable Washington, DC, panda family, with his mother Bao Bao born at the National Zoo in 2013. Qing Bao, a female, shares the name meaning “green” and “treasure”.
Upon their arrival, the pandas will undergo a 30-day quarantine period in their new habitat, under the care of a dedicated team of keepers, nutritionists, and veterinarians. Following this adjustment period, they will make their public debut, with the exact date yet to be announced.
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed anticipation for the pandas’ arrival, highlighting the zoo’s growing visitor numbers and the excitement surrounding the new additions. The city looks forward to welcoming Bao Li and Qing Bao, promising an exciting new chapter in the storied history of the National Zoo’s panda program.
