According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, the newly arrived giant pandas from China, “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao,” made their first public appearance on the morning of January 24. NPR (National Public Radio) reported that the pair had traveled to Washington, D.C., from China in October 2024 on the “Panda Express.” Following a quarantine period and a brief preview phase for zoo members, the panda exhibit and live-streaming cameras are now fully accessible to the public.
This marks the return of giant pandas to Washington, D.C., after a one-year absence. In November 2023, the National Zoo bid farewell to Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji, who were returned to China. Bao Li’s presence in Washington carries historical significance, as his mother, Bao Bao, was born at the zoo in 2013. His grandparents, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, resided at the National Zoo from 2000 to 2023. NPR noted that Bao Li and Qing Bao are set to stay in Washington until 2034.

In addition to the pandas in Washington, San Diego Zoo welcomed two new pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, last year. San Diego Zoo was the first U.S. institution to establish a panda research collaboration with China. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Zoo is expected to receive a pair of giant pandas this year. NPR highlighted that “panda diplomacy” is not only a way for China to promote wildlife conservation but also a strategy to foster goodwill and strengthen diplomatic relations, adding a new dimension to the concept of soft power.
National Zoo Director’s Remarks
National Zoo Director Brandie Smith emphasized the long-standing cultural and emotional connection between Washington, D.C., and giant pandas, stating, “For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of Washington, D.C.” She added, “Bao Li and Qing Bao have captured our hearts, and we are delighted to welcome panda enthusiasts back to celebrate this new chapter in our panda conservation efforts.” Smith also highlighted that the National Zoo remains the only place in the United States where visitors can view giant pandas for free.

The Personalities of Bao Li and Qing Bao
Michael Brown-Palsgrove, the curator of the panda exhibit, shared insights into the pandas’ behavior and personalities. He described both pandas as healthy and thriving in their new environment, noting that they enjoy the current cold weather and playing in the snow.
Brown-Palsgrove elaborated on their individual traits: Qing Bao enjoys climbing trees, often taking her favorite toys up with her, and resting among the branches. Bao Li, on the other hand, is highly sociable and loves attention. He spends time playing outdoors before heading indoors to enjoy his meals.

Excited Crowds Brave the Cold
Despite the frigid temperatures in Washington, with lows reaching -7°C (19°F) that day, a large number of enthusiastic visitors arrived at the zoo adorned with panda-themed accessories to see the new arrivals. Excitement was palpable as people marveled at the two pandas.
According to The Washington Post, Lisa Ballem, 46, drove from Cleveland to Washington, D.C., with her 5-year-old son, Jayden, to meet the pandas. “Eleven years ago, I was here when Bao Bao made her first public appearance,” Lisa said. “Now her son, Bao Li, is here, so I brought my son to share the experience.”

Similarly, 55-year-old Dixon, who traveled from Houston, shared her lifelong connection to pandas. She fondly recalled growing up alongside Ling Ling and Xing Xing, the first pair of pandas gifted to the U.S. by China in 1972. “I was heartbroken when the last pair of pandas had to return to China. With U.S.-China relations being what they are, I worried we might never have pandas again,” she admitted. “I’m thrilled to see this new pair.”
The National Zoo reported that nearly 16,000 people had reserved visits for January 24–26 as of midday on the 24th. Meanwhile, the reinstated panda live-stream received 75,000 views in just one morning.
Chinese Ambassador’s Remarks

China’s Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, attended the reopening ceremony for the panda exhibit and delivered a speech. He noted that the shared affection for giant pandas between the Chinese and American people spans over half a century, predating the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassador Xie expressed optimism, saying, “The shared love for giant pandas shows that the commonalities between our two peoples far outweigh our differences.”
Xie further highlighted the success of U.S.-China collaboration on panda conservation, stating, “The achievements of our joint efforts demonstrate that when China and the U.S. work together, we can accomplish great things—not only benefiting our two countries but also contributing to the world.”
The return of giant pandas to Washington has rekindled enthusiasm for conservation and cultural exchange, reminding people of the strong ties and shared interests between China and the United States.