In an exciting development for animal lovers and conservationists alike, pandas are returning to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., for the first time in over two decades. The last time pandas graced the National Zoo was in the year 2000, and now, two 2-year-old pandas, Bao Li, a male, and Qing Bao, a female, have arrived from China.
The previous panda residents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were originally part of a ten-year agreement between the U.S. and China. However, these beloved animals ended up staying much longer, remaining in the U.S. until their return to China in November 2023. Over their extended stay, the pair even welcomed a cub, Xiao Qi Ji, much to the delight of zoo-goers and panda enthusiasts.
While the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao is a momentous occasion, visitors will need to exercise patience. The new pandas are currently in quarantine for 30 days as a safety measure and will have additional time to adjust to their new environment before being introduced to the public.
With pandas being a global symbol of wildlife conservation, their return is expected to draw significant interest and visitors from around the country. Stay tuned for updates on when you can visit these adorable newcomers at the National Zoo!
CHUCKYSCARNAGE 