In a significant development for wildlife conservation, two giant pandas, Bao Li [BOW-lee] and Qing Bao [ching-BOW], have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, DC. They will officially make their public debut on January 24, 2025.
This event marks a new chapter in the 52-year-long giant panda breeding and conservation program, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in protecting endangered species. It will also mark the return of pandas to the city after the previous panda residents went back to China in 2023.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see giant pandas for free in the US. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of many of free things to do in DC.
International Cooperation for Conservation
The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao is the result of a new 10-year cooperative agreement between NZCBI and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). This partnership underscores the global nature of conservation efforts, demonstrating how countries can work together to protect vulnerable species, including:
- Innovate new conservation techniques
- Pursue panda health and welfare research
- Expand work critical to the conservation of giant pandas in the wild
Funding and Support
The giant panda conservation program at NZCBI is funded entirely through philanthropic contributions, without the use of federal funding. This approach to conservation funding could serve as a model for similar programs in Canada and around the world.
Public Engagement and Education
While the pandas will initially be in quarantine, the NZCBI plans to use this time to educate the public about giant panda conservation: A digital series called “Prepping for Pandas” will offer behind-the-scenes insights into the preparation for the pandas’ arrival.
The Giant Panda Cam will be relaunched when the pandas make their public debut, allowing virtual visitors worldwide to observe these endangered animals
