Two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, meaning “precious vigor” and “green treasure,” were delivered to their new home at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. via a custom-decaled “Panda Express” Boeing 777F. The bears arrived at Dulles International Airport and were safely transported to the zoo in specially-designed crates with a police escort. This delivery comes nearly a year after negotiations with China fell through, resulting in the return of several beloved pandas that were on loan to the zoo.
The Smithsonian National Zoo, which sits on 163 acres in Washington, D.C., is home to over 2,200 species of animals and does not charge an entrance fee. Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI, expressed excitement over the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao and emphasized that the zoo is the only place in the nation where visitors can see giant pandas for free. The safe delivery of the pandas was made possible by FedEx, who created the custom “Panda Express” plane and served as the trusted transportation provider to connect communities.
Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, International, and chief executive officer, Airline, at FedEx, expressed pride in delivering the pandas aboard the “Panda Express” and highlighted the company’s commitment to leveraging its global network for such important deliveries. Following their journey, Bao Li and Qing Bao will undergo a mandatory quarantine period of at least thirty days at the panda house before making their public debut on January 24, 2025. This process is essential to ensure the pandas’ health and wellbeing before they are introduced to their new environment and visitors.
The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian National Zoo marks a significant milestone in the zoo’s conservation efforts and commitment to the preservation of endangered species. The pandas will join the other animals at the zoo, contributing to the diverse array of species housed there. The zoo’s staff has been preparing for the pandas’ arrival and is looking forward to welcoming these new additions to their community.
The successful delivery of the pandas underscores the importance of collaboration between organizations like the Smithsonian National Zoo and FedEx in supporting conservation efforts and promoting awareness of endangered species. By working together, these entities can help raise awareness about the plight of animals like giant pandas and the need to protect their natural habitats. The public debut of Bao Li and Qing Bao on January 24, 2025, will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to see these majestic animals up close and learn more about their conservation status.
Overall, the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian National Zoo represents a triumph for conservation efforts and highlights the importance of working together to protect endangered species. The dedication of the zoo’s staff, along with the support of partners like FedEx, has made it possible for these pandas to make their new home in Washington, D.C. Visitors to the zoo can look forward to seeing Bao Li and Qing Bao on display starting in January 2025, providing a unique educational experience and reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation.
