The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., welcomed its newest residents, giant pandas Bao Li [BOW-lee] and Qing Bao [ching-BOW], on Jan. 24 during the ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit. NZCBI Director Brandie Smith introduced the pandas to visitors, declaring the Zoo the “District of Panda.”
“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” Smith said. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have won our hearts, and we’re excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo—the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free—and celebrate the newest chapter of our giant panda breeding and conservation program.”
Smith was joined by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Ambassador Xie Feng of the People’s Republic of China, who emphasized the global collaboration symbolized by giant pandas.
Panda enthusiasts can directly support NZCBI’s conservation efforts by purchasing limited-edition giant panda-themed M&M’S, available on MMS.com, at the Zoo, Smithsonian museum stores, and the Smithsonian Store at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. For every pack sold online, Mars will donate $5 to the giant panda conservation program. The 10 oz. bags, priced at $14.99, feature candies decorated with panda figures and pawprints, celebrating the pandas’ unique pseudo-thumb used for grasping bamboo. The packaging includes fun facts about giant pandas and a QR code linking to NZCBI’s website, where visitors can learn more about this iconic species.
The Zoo relaunched its Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by The Boeing Company, to allow virtual visitors to join in the celebration. The cam, operated by a team of trained volunteers, broadcasts live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET daily, with recordings rebroadcast after hours to ensure fans worldwide can enjoy the pandas’ activities.
The Zoo is also hosting the District of Panda Party from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9, a public celebration filled with free and family-friendly activities. Events include Lunar New Year celebrations with cultural programming provided by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, film screenings of Kung Fu Panda at the Visitor Center Theater, and special limited-edition merchandise commemorating Bao Li and Qing Bao’s debut. Details about the events and activities are available on the Zoo’s website and will be updated throughout the celebration.
Admission to the Zoo is free, but visitors must reserve free entry passes through the Zoo’s website. Paid parking passes are also available. A limited number of same-day passes may be offered at Zoo entrances for visitors without online access. To see Bao Li and Qing Bao, visitors should use the Asia Trail entrance across from the Visitor Center and be prepared for potential wait times.
Panda fans can stay updated on the latest news about NZCBI’s giant panda program by visiting the Zoo’s website, subscribing to its e-newsletter, and following on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X using the hashtag #DCPandas. Bao Li and Qing Bao’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter in the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to giant panda conservation, education, and collaboration.
