Michael Brown-Palsgrove, the curator of the Giant Panda Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced on January 9 that giant pandas “Bao Li” and “Qing Bao” are “fully prepared” to meet the public.
Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the Washington National Zoo on October 15 last year. According to the zoo, over the past three months, the two pandas have fully adapted to their new environment and diet, and are now ready to greet visitors. The Panda Exhibit will officially open to the public on January 24.

In an interview with China News Service, Michael Brown-Palsgrove said that both pandas are in good health and have gained weight since arriving at the zoo. They have established a “good relationship” with their keepers and can now “understand English,” responding to the keepers’ commands.
Brown-Palsgrove also mentioned that the Panda Exhibit includes four indoor rooms and three outdoor yards, all of which the two pandas have explored. Each panda has access to both indoor and outdoor areas, allowing them to move freely between them during the day. Currently, the pandas are housed in separate rooms but are aware of each other’s presence and can even see one another while climbing trees.

Bao Li and Qing Bao were born in Sichuan, China, in August and September of 2021, respectively. Bao Li’s mother is “Bao Bao,” a panda born at the Washington National Zoo, and her grandparents are “Tian Tian” and “Mei Xiang,” who lived at the zoo for more than 20 years.
Brown-Palsgrove shared that during their time at the zoo, he has noticed that the two pandas have very different personalities. Bao Li is lively and enjoys attention, much like her mother, Bao Bao. On the other hand, Qing Bao is more independent and cautious, resembling her grandmother, Mei Xiang.

According to staff, male panda Bao Li currently weighs 220 pounds (about 100 kg), while female panda Qing Bao weighs 176 pounds (about 80 kg), both of which are within the standard weight range. The pandas are particularly fond of the new climbing structures and other facilities that have been built for them, often playing and exploring on them.
The staff at the zoo are excited about the upcoming public exhibition of the pandas. Michael Brown-Palsgrove stated that starting from January 10, zoo members will be able to make reservations to see the pandas. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 members will be allowed to visit each day to help the pandas acclimate to the presence of visitors. On January 24, the Panda Exhibit will officially open to the public, with nearly 10,000 visitors expected daily. The curator anticipates long lines outside the exhibit, as visitors are eager to see the pandas.