On October 15, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. announced that giant pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” have safely arrived at the zoo.
In a statement on their website, the zoo confirmed that the pandas arrived via a specially chartered flight, landing at Dulles International Airport near Washington around 11:30 AM. This marks the beginning of their ten-year residency at the National Zoo.
The pandas’ journey began in Chengdu, China, with a stop in Alaska for refueling before continuing to Washington, a trip that took approximately 19 hours in total.
Brandi Smith, the director of the National Zoo, expressed her excitement, stating, “Our team has been preparing for the arrival of the pandas, and we warmly welcome ‘Bao Li’ and ‘Qing Bao’ to Washington.” She also extended her gratitude to their colleagues in China and the transportation team from FedEx, highlighting the significance of this new chapter in their panda conservation efforts.
“Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” were born in August and September of 2021, respectively. Notably, “Bao Li” is the offspring of a panda named “Bao Bao,” who was born at the National Zoo. Her grandparents, “Tian Tian” and “Mei Xiang,” spent over 20 years at the zoo.
The zoo plans to isolate “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” in the indoor area of the panda exhibit for at least 30 days, gradually introducing them to a small audience of volunteers and members starting in mid-December. They are set to open to the public on January 24, 2024.
Earlier this month, the National Zoo sent four keepers and a veterinarian to China to assist in the care and health management of the pandas. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda sent two keepers and a veterinarian to help the pandas adjust to their new environment at the zoo. Significant enhancements have also been made to the pandas’ living space, including updated landscaping, ponds, and climbing structures.
The arrival of the pandas has generated excitement among the American public, with many expressing their eagerness to meet the animals on social media.
