After almost a year without giant pandas, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. has welcomed two new furry residents, restoring the cherished relationship known as "panda diplomacy" between the United States and China. On October 15, 2024, at 9:53 AM EDT, Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, touched down at Dulles International Airport aboard a FedEx cargo plane humorously named "Panda Express." This delivery was anything but ordinary, with police escorting the specially adorned trucks carrying the pandas through the capital, generating excitement among onlookers.
Transported from the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Sichuan, the bears were greeted with cheers as they arrived at the zoo, where they are set to remain on loan for the next decade. The National Zoo's director, Brandie Smith, expressed her enthusiasm: "Our team has worked tirelessly to prepare for the pandas’ arrival, and we’re thrilled to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao to Washington, D.C., the only place you can see giant pandas for free in the nation." Their arrival marks the first time since 2000 the National Zoo has received new pandas, as the previous pair, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, returned to China last November along with their young cub, Xiao Qi Ji.
The current excitement surrounding the pandas is fueled not only by nostalgia but also by the bears’ unique family backgrounds. Bao Li is the son of Bao Bao, who was born at the National Zoo, giving him ties to the area, and both bears will be quarantined for 30 days as per standard procedure to prevent any potential disease transmission to other animals at the zoo. Following this period, zoo members can catch a preview of the bears starting January 10, 2025, with the general public viewing scheduled for January 24, 2025.
Panda diplomacy, the practice of using giant pandas as symbols of goodwill between China and foreign nations, has been around for decades and dates back to President Richard Nixon’s visit to China, which opened diplomatic ties between the two countries. The initial pair, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, were gifted to the U.S. by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai's government and marked the beginning of several agreements involving panda exchanges. Over the years, various U.S. zoos have hosted these beloved animals, with the current arrangement for Bao Li and Qing Bao costing the National Zoo $1 million annually, which goes to the China Wildlife Conservation Association as part of their agreement. This money is used to support conservation efforts for giant pandas back home.
The renewed arrival of pandas is viewed with optimism amid current geopolitical tensions, offering a rare bright spot for the relationship between the two superpowers. With political discussions focusing heavily on other contentious issues, the sight of pandas symbolizes friendship, joy, and hope for many. Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the importance of cooperation on panda conservation, stating, "We believe this new phase of U.S.-China cooperation will achieve even greater success." The goal is to breed the two bears during their stay, with cubs typically returned to China by the age of four.
National Zoo officials had anticipated the return of pandas after previous torn agreements and rising tensions. By November, when Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted at the continuation of panda programs, American fans were elated. Yet, it seemed uncertain if and when new pandas would arrive, especially with previous pairings, like those at Zoo Atlanta, returning home.
The significance of pandas goes beyond their cute and cuddly appearance. Current estimates suggest there are only about 1,864 pandas left in the wild, and their vulnerable status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List has spurred worldwide efforts for their conservation. Notably, the past agreements left pandas classified only as vulnerable since conservation efforts have led to some recovery of their populations.
With the arrival of these two adorable pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, visitors to the National Zoo can expect to be enchanted all over again, just as they were by their predecessors. Bao Li, who is known for his energetic personality, promises to captivate and engage visitors, creating connections just as his family members did before him. This new influx of panda diplomacy and renewed interest from the public can significantly benefit D.C.'s local economy, attracting more tourists eager to catch glimpses of these charming symbols of China.
The past year has been challenging for American zoo-goers, who have missed the companionship of these remarkable creatures. The closure of exhibits after the previous pandas' departure created sadness among fans, but excitement is now brewing for the public engagement of these two new bears. They are part of something larger than themselves—an enduring bond between nations, local pride, and conservation. Bijoux of diplomacy, little else barrels through the political discourse quite as charmingly as these gentle giants will, once they officially debut on the National Zoo stage.
All eyes will be on these new panda residents as they settle down and begin to adjust to their surroundings. With enormous personalities and family ties extending deep within the walls of this DC institution, Bao Li and Qing Bao carry with them not just the expectation of joy for visitors but also the hope of fostering goodwill and collaboration across borders for the sake of conservation.
