If there’s one panda whose journey is as exciting as his personality, it’s Bao Li (宝力/Baoli)! Born in 2021 at the Wolong Shenshuping Base, this charming young panda not only captured hearts in China but is now making waves internationally. After thrilling snow adventures and a highly anticipated debut at the Smithsonian National Zoo, Bao Li is now playing a crucial role in panda conservation. His story is unfolding in the most extraordinary way, and you’ll want to follow it!
Basic Information
- Name: Bao Li (宝力)
- Gender: Male
- Birth Date: August 4, 2021
- Birthplace: Wolong Shenshuping Base (China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center)
- Mother: Bao Bao (宝宝)
- Siblings: Dun Dun (顿顿), Bao Yuan (宝元)
Life Experience of Panda Bao Li
International Exchange: In May 2024, significant news emerged from the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center regarding international collaboration to enhance panda conservation efforts. The China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Smithsonian National Zoo in the United States reached an agreement to foster panda research. As part of this partnership, Bao Li and a female panda named Qing Bao (青宝), born in September 2021, are set to travel to the United States later that year to participate in new conservation research projects.
Travel to America: On the evening of October 14, 2024, Bao Li and Qing Bao departed from the Dujiangyan Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center, heading to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The following day, they boarded a special flight to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they would begin a ten-year journey dedicated to panda conservation and research.
Play in Snow: On January 11, 2025, Washington experienced a heavy snowfall, which was an exciting event for captive giant pandas. Early in the morning, when Bao Li saw the ground covered in a blanket of white snow, he was exceptionally thrilled. He played joyfully in the snow, rolling around, climbing trees, and scratching himself, having an absolutely wonderful time.
Official Debut: On 24th January, 2025， Qing Bao and Bao Li finally ended their quarantine and met the public. Their live-stream received 75,000 views in just one morning, and over 3,000 people came to visit on the day.
Rumors and Clarifications
On February 26, 2025, the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center issued a statement to refute recent rumors circulating online about giant panda Bao Li. The rumors included claims that “Bao Li” has a hole in its back, experiences frequent body twitching and shaking due to abuse, and has white threadworms coming from its nose and bottom. These rumors have been proven to be false.
Regarding the claim that Bao Li has a hole in its back and is covered in scars, investigations confirmed that the area on its lower back appears uneven due to the pressure caused by sitting while eating, and is not a “hole” as claimed. Currently, both Bao Li and Qing Bao are eating normally and in good health.
As for the rumor that Bao Li experiences frequent twitching and shaking due to abuse, it has been verified that Bao Li does not exhibit pathological twitching or shaking. Animals may show local muscle twitching when hiccupping, scratching while sleeping or waking, or due to cold, excitement, nervousness, or fatigue. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. The Panda Center reminds the public not to alter videos or images of normal physiological behaviors by speeding them up to create unnecessary public anxiety.
Regarding the rumor that Bao Li has white threadworms coming from its nose and bottom, it was confirmed that the Washington National Zoo has implemented parasite prevention measures for both Bao Li and Qing Bao. Both pandas’ fecal tests for parasites have returned negative results. The white threadworm claim related to Bao Li was determined to be bamboo residue, and there have been no instances of Bao Li expelling parasites from its nose. After reviewing online videos, it was concluded that the object in question may have been a small twig or other debris, altered through editing techniques.
News about Panda Bao Li
- Chinese Embassy Hosts Giant Panda-Themed Cultural Experience Event (13-02-2025)
- Giant Pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” Make Public Debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo (26-01-2025)
- Washington National Zoo’s Giant Pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” Ready to Meet the Public (11-01-2025)
- Giant Pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” Enjoy Snow Fun in the U.S. (07-01-2025)
- Tracking the Case of Defamation and Rumors Involving Giant Pandas (27-12-2024)
- First Lady Jill Biden Dresses as Giant Panda to Welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao (30-10-2024)
- Washington, D.C. Zoo: Giant Pandas “Baoli” and “Qingbao” Are Doing Well (17-10-2024)
- Giant Pandas “Baoli” and “Qingbao” Depart for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. (14-10-2024)
