Giant panda enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate: Bao Li and Qing Bao, the National Zoo's new panda ambassadors, made their highly anticipated public debut on Friday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI).
Zoo workers and DC officials unveiled the pandas in a special ceremony, dubbing the city the "District of Panda." The new arrivals mark a fresh chapter in the Zoo's five-decade-long panda breeding and conservation program.
“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” said Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have won our hearts, and we’re excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo—the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free.”
Panda Cam: A virtual window to the Pandas’ world
To celebrate the pandas’ return, the Zoo has relaunched its popular Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by The Boeing Company. With 40 high-definition cameras streaming from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET daily, fans can catch Bao Li and Qing Bao’s antics from anywhere in the world. After-hours rebroadcasts ensure global audiences don’t miss out.
The Zoo is also hosting the District of Panda Party, a public celebration from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9. The festivities will include Lunar New Year events, screenings of Kung Fu Panda, and cultural activities sponsored by the Chinese Embassy, Boeing, and other corporate partners.
For event details and updates, visit the National Zoo’s website.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ