PREVIEW

These are the two giant pandas Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian’ National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) will welcome later this year (2024).
Bao Li and Qing Bao will arrive in the U.S. capital from China.
For over five decades, NZCBI has spearheaded one of the world’s leading giant panda conservation programs, contributing significantly to the species' reclassification from “endangered” to “vulnerable.”
“We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership by welcoming two new bears, including a descendant of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C.,” said Brandie Smith, NZCBI’s John and Adrienne Mars Director. “This historic moment is proof positive that our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact. Through this partnership, we have grown the panda population, advanced our shared understanding of how to care for this beloved bear, and learned what’s needed to protect wild pandas and preserve their native habitat.”
The announcement of the panda’s arrival was made via a video on NZCBI’s social media channels, featured First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, and Smith.
This news follows the departure of giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, to China six months ago, which prompted an emotional farewell from millions of fans.
Bao Li is a two-year-old male whose name means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin. He was born on August 4, 2021, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Sichuan. He is a direct descendant of NZCBI’s former pandas, as his mother, Bao Bao, was born at NZCBI in 2013, and his grandparents, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, resided there from 2000 to 2023.
Qing Bao is a two-year-old female whose name means “green” and “treasure,” Qing Bao was born on September 12, 2021, at CCRCGP. Her name reflects the lush, mountainous habitat of wild pandas.
FedEx will facilitate the transportation of the pandas from China to Washington, D.C., utilizing their air and ground network.
“We look forward to once again calling the FedEx Panda Express into service,” said Richard W. Smith, president and chief executive officer, Airline and International, FedEx.
Upon arrival, Bao Li and Qing Bao will undergo a standard 30-day quarantine in the panda house to ensure they do not introduce any parasites or diseases. They will be cared for by a dedicated team of keepers, nutritionists, and veterinarians and will be provided with enrichment items to help them acclimate to their new environment. The public debut will be announced once the pandas have settled in and are ready to meet visitors.