The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced that two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will be arriving in the United States from China before the end of the year. The pandas, both 2 years old, are part of a longstanding agreement between the Smithsonian and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Last year, concerns arose about the program’s continuation when the agreement expired, but a new pact was agreed upon without the need for high-level diplomacy between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, the pandas are meant to help foster breeding and care of the animals, with each new panda birth being closely watched and celebrated. The new pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, are the grandchildren of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who were previously in Washington. The San Diego Zoo will also be receiving a pair of pandas as part of the agreement. The Smithsonian has begun fundraising efforts to help support the expensive care and study of the pandas, who are owned by China and must return by age 4 if any offspring are born in Washington.
The arrival of the pandas is highly anticipated in Washington, where they are seen as symbols of friendship between the United States and China. Giant pandas have been a popular attraction at the National Zoo, and their absence during the past six months has been keenly felt by visitors. Merchandise related to the pandas has already hit the shelves, indicating the excitement surrounding their return. Despite the challenges of caring for the fragile newborn cubs, the Smithsonian is prepared to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao and ensure their well-being.
Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the previous pandas in Washington, successfully produced four cubs that survived beyond infancy. Their eldest cub, Tai Shan, born in 2005, was sent to China in 2010, much to the dismay of fans in Washington. Mei Xiang’s most recent cub, Xiao Qi Ji, was born during the pandemic, defying expectations. The care and study of the pandas require significant resources, leading to the initiation of a fundraising campaign to bolster the program’s budget.
Upon their arrival in Washington, Bao Li and Qing Bao will undergo a 30-day quarantine period before their public debut. The Smithsonian will ensure that the pandas are ready to interact with visitors before their introduction to the public. Many zoo attendees, like 7-year-old Haley, are eagerly anticipating the return of the giant pandas, with merchandise available to celebrate their impending arrival. The shop dedicated to panda memorabilia has seen increased interest from visitors eager to learn more about the new arrivals and when they can expect to see the pandas in person.
