Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao Arrive at National Zoo as Symbol of Ongoing Panda Diplomacy

Two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, are set to arrive at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., less than a year after the zoo bid farewell to its previous pandas on loan from China. The bears departed from Chengdu, China, and made a brief stop in Anchorage before continuing to Dulles International Airport.

The National Zoo announced the pandas’ journey on social media, indicating that the zoo would be closed to the public on October 15 to ensure the safety of the pandas and staff during their transfer.

The introduction of Bao Li and Qing Bao continues a long tradition known as panda diplomacy, where China lends pandas to other countries as a gesture of goodwill and to strengthen diplomatic relationships.

This tradition began in 1972 when the National Zoo received its first pandas following President Nixon’s historic visit to China. The current pandas symbolize the ongoing relationship between China and the U.S., serving as a bridge between the two nations through a shared appreciation for these endangered species.

Both pandas are two years old, with Bao Li hailing from Sichuan and having familial ties to the National Zoo. His mother was born there, and his grandparents, Mei Xiang, and Tian Tian, were residents of the zoo from 2000 until their return to China in 2023. Qing Bao, the female panda, was born at the Dujiangyan Panda Center.

Upon arrival, both pandas will enter a quarantine period of at least 30 days to mitigate any risk of disease or parasites affecting the zoo’s other animals, followed by additional time to adapt to their new surroundings.

The zoo has not announced a specific date for the pandas’ public debut, as it will be determined by the animal care team once they assess the bears’ readiness to meet visitors. This careful approach reflects the zoo’s dedication to ensuring the pandas’ health and well-being as they transition to their new home. With the return of these pandas, excitement is building among the public and zoo staff alike.

Giant pandas are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing challenges such as habitat loss and a declining population.

The National Zoo aims to use the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao to raise awareness about panda conservation and the broader issues affecting wildlife. The zoo’s commitment to preserving these iconic animals and educating the public about conservation efforts underscores the importance of international collaboration in protecting endangered species.