Giant pandas to return to National Zoo

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The giant panda is making it’s triumphant return to D.C. after the Smithsonian National Zoo came to terms on a lease with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

“It’s especially meaningful to have them at the National Zoo, where people can visit the pandas in person for free, or watch them on the panda cam with millions of people across the globe,” Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie G. Bunch III said.

The Smithsonian Institution brought in First Lady Jill Biden to announce the pending arrival of two-year-olds Bao Li and Qing Bao.

“Join us,” Biden said. “It’s official. The pandas are coming back to D.C.”

The panda exchange marks the renewal of a decades long partnership between the Smithsonian Institution and the China Wildlife Conservation Associatoin.

The National Zoo is looking for donations in an effort to raise $25 million for panda care and their exhibit.

Brandie Smith (super in video provided by Smithsonian)

“For more than 50 years, the zoo’s pandas have brought joy to everyone who has seen them, and are one of our biggest conservation success stories,” Smithsonian’s Brandie Smith said.

There was a brief pause in the partnership that has gone on since 1972, when three pandas were sent too China from the National Zoo in 2023.

This Smithsonian said the panda’s public debut will be announced as soon as the animal care team feels the bears are ready to meet visitors.

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