Washington's National Zoo to Welcome New Pair of Giant Pandas from China

After the return of its three pandas to China six months ago, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington is now preparing to welcome a new pair of giant pandas by the end of the year. The upcoming arrivals mark an important event for the zoo and its visitors.

The zoo recently announced that the new inhabitants will be Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 2-year-old giant pandas. Bao Li, the grandson of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and Qing Bao will be joining the zoo from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. The pair will be transported to the United States by FedEx, a company that has been involved in facilitating panda transfers between the U.S. and China.

Reunited with the Panda Cam

As the new pandas make their way to the National Zoo, the beloved Panda Cam will also be brought back, providing real-time access for people around the world to observe the pandas in their new home. Lonnie G. Bunch, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, emphasized the significance of the Panda Cam in connecting global audiences with these iconic animals.

For decades, giant pandas have played a crucial role in fostering friendship between the United States and China. The initial arrival of pandas in D.C. in 1972 preceded the normalization of relations between the two countries. Furthermore, the breeding programs established in select zoos, including the National Zoo, have contributed to the conservation of the species and helped increase the panda population.

Global Conservation Efforts

Besides the National Zoo, other zoos across the world have also participated in conservation efforts for giant pandas. The China Wildlife Conservation Association has signed cooperation agreements with zoos in Madrid, Spain, and Vienna, Austria, reflecting the international collaboration aimed at protecting these endangered animals.

Despite the progress made through breeding programs, the survival of pandas in the wild remains at severe risk, with just over 1,800 pandas left in their natural habitat, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Zoos involved in panda partnerships typically pay an annual fee of $1 million, which directly contributes to China's conservation endeavors.