Two giant pandas from China have arrived in Washington, D.C., marking the first new arrivals of these furry diplomats in 24 years.
The FedEx cargo plane, aptly named "Panda Express," touched down at Washington Dulles Airport at 9:53 a.m. on Tuesday, bringing with it Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 3 years old. These pandas are on loan to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for a decade, with an annual fee of $1 million dedicated to conservation efforts in China.
The last pandas at the zoo left for China last November, sparking an emotional farewell and leaving the exhibit vacant for 11 months. This new exchange signifies a rare moment of goodwill amid the strained relations between the U.S. and China, which have been marked by tensions over trade and technology.
Born in Sichuan, Bao Li has familial ties to Washington; his mother, Bao Bao, gained fame at the National Zoo after her birth in 2013 and returned to China four years later. His grandparents, Meixiang and Tian Tian, were beloved residents at the zoo for 23 years before their lease ended last year.
“Bao Li has a vibrant personality and reminds me a lot of his grandfather, Tian Tian,” said Mariel Lally, a panda keeper from the National Zoo who traveled with the pandas. After spending 10 days with them at a research facility in Dujiangyan, she noted their distinct traits that will surely endear them to visitors.
Fans are already intrigued by Bao Li’s family background, but Lally is confident that his energetic nature will captivate audiences. “He’s all about people and so much fun,” she said. In contrast, Qing Bao is more reserved. Often found lounging on her climbing structure or resting in a tree, she is alert when she’s active.
“She’s quite independent,” Lally explained. “She doesn’t always respond when called because she prefers to do her own thing.” She added that Qing Bao’s petite size is sure to charm visitors.
The Smithsonian was the first U.S. institution to host giant pandas, a symbol of China’s “panda diplomacy” that began with President Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China in 1972. Following that historic trip, the first pair of pandas, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, arrived at the National Zoo, drawing 20,000 visitors on their first day. Since then, pandas have become the zoo’s main attraction, bringing in millions of guests.
The zoo’s 24-hour Giant Panda Cam has racked up over 100 million views since its launch in 2000, but it went offline last November when the last pandas departed. For the first time in 23 years, the panda exhibit was empty.
Preparing for their long journey across the Pacific involved meticulous planning. A team from the National Zoo traveled to Sichuan to assist with the pandas’ transition. On September 13, Bao Li and Qing Bao were placed in quarantine away from the public.
Ren Zhijun, a Chinese keeper, observed that Bao Li has a voracious appetite, consuming double the amount of bamboo than Qing Bao, who prefers carrots and apples. In the days leading up to their departure, the pandas got accustomed to their shipping crates, designed for comfort and easy access to food and water during the flight.
During a farewell ceremony at the Dujiangyan facility, Brandie Smith, the director of the National Zoo, celebrated the long-standing collaboration between the Smithsonian and its Chinese partners. “These beloved black and white bears are icons in Washington, D.C., and adored worldwide,” she remarked. “Our team and countless fans are eager to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao to the National Zoo.”