The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. announced on the 15th local time that the giant pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” safely arrived at the zoo on the morning of that day.
The National Zoo released a statement on its website, stating that the special flight carrying “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” arrived at Dulles International Airport near Washington. The two pandas arrived at the National Zoo at 11:30 AM, beginning their 10-year residency.
The flight, which originated from Chengdu, China, made a stop in Alaska for refueling before reaching Washington, with a total flight time of approximately 19 hours.

Brandi Smith, the director of the National Zoo, expressed, “Our team has been preparing for the arrival of the pandas, and we warmly welcome ‘Bao Li’ and ‘Qing Bao’ to Washington.” Smith also thanked her Chinese colleagues and the U.S. FedEx team involved in transporting the pandas, stating, “We are excited to start a new chapter in our panda conservation program.”
“Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” were born in August and September 2021, respectively. “Bao Li” is the offspring of “Bao Bao,” who was born at the National Zoo. Her grandparents, “Tian Tian” and “Mei Xiang,” resided at the National Zoo for over 20 years.
According to the zoo, “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” will be quarantined in the indoor area of the panda exhibit for at least 30 days, during which small-scale showings for volunteers and members will begin in mid-December to help the pandas gradually adapt to the presence of visitors. They are scheduled to officially open to the public on January 24.

Earlier this month, the National Zoo sent four keepers and veterinarians to China to participate in the management and health care of the two pandas. The China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center dispatched two keepers and veterinarians to help the pandas quickly adjust to their new environment at the National Zoo.
Currently, the National Zoo has upgraded the pandas’ living quarters, updating the lawn, pools, and adding climbing structures.
American citizens have expressed their excitement about the pandas’ arrival on social media, with many stating, “We can’t wait to meet the pandas!”