Giant panda fans have something to celebrate as Bao Li and Qing Bao, the new panda ambassadors at the National Zoo, made their debut on Friday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). This marks the start of a new chapter in the Zoo’s long-standing panda breeding and conservation efforts, which have spanned over five decades.
During a special ceremony, DC officials and zoo workers introduced the pandas, declaring the city the “District of Panda.” Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI, expressed excitement over the pandas’ arrival, emphasizing how giant pandas have been a beloved part of Washington, D.C. for over 50 years.
To celebrate, the Zoo has relaunched its Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by The Boeing Company. With 40 high-definition cameras streaming the pandas’ daily activities from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, fans from around the world can watch Bao Li and Qing Bao live. The Zoo is also hosting a public celebration, the District of Panda Party, featuring Lunar New Year events, screenings of Kung Fu Panda, and various cultural activities. The festivities run from January 24 to February 9, with support from the Chinese Embassy and other corporate sponsors.
