WASHINGTON (AP) — Exciting news emerges from the National Zoo, as it appears that the long absence of giant pandas is finally coming to an end.
After sending its beloved trio of pandas — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji — back to China 11 months ago, the zoo is prepared to welcome a new pair of bears. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three-year-old giant pandas, are on their way from a research facility in Dujiangyan, China, to Washington, as confirmed by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
“Food for the journey includes corn bread, bamboo, and carrots, along with water and medicine,” the association stated. This partnership aims to “contribute to global biodiversity conservation and strengthen friendships between our two nations.”
While the specific arrival date for Bao Li and Qing Bao has yet to be announced, they will likely undergo a significant quarantine and acclimation period before being introduced to the public. On Monday evening, the zoo’s website released a message indicating that the zoo would be closed on Tuesday without elaborating on the reason. However, the site reassured visitors that the pandas are expected to arrive before the year’s end.
The arrival of Bao Li (meaning ‘precious vigor’) and Qing Bao (meaning ‘green treasure’) comes under a new 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities. The previous accord expired last year, stirring concerns among panda enthusiasts in the U.S. that the Chinese government was withdrawing its furry ambassadors amid increasing diplomatic tensions.
The panda population in American zoos has already diminished; breeding pairs in Memphis and San Diego were returned to China earlier, and the four pandas at the Atlanta Zoo just left for China last week.
However, optimism grew last November when Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a commitment to continue panda exchange programs. Recently, a new panda pair joined the San Diego Zoo, and another pair is promised to San Francisco.
Although officials at the National Zoo have remained discreet regarding the details of the new panda agreement, they feel confident about securing a new deal. They have even initiated a multimillion-dollar renovation of the panda enclosure in preparation. In late May, zoo director Brandie Smith, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, announced plans for the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao by year’s end.
The Chinese statement included details about the zoo sending “three experienced keepers and veterinary experts” to assist in the safe transport and care of the bears throughout their journey. While zoo spokesperson Jennifer Zoon refrained from confirming specifics, stating they could not disclose details for the safety of the animals and staff, excitement is still palpable. Signs and panda-themed merchandise dominate the zoo’s marketing, signaling a welcoming atmosphere.
“Giant pandas are an iconic part of Washington, D.C.’s identity, cherished by locals and visitors alike,” remarked Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Their anticipated return will not only invigorate interest but also positively impact our local economy by attracting more visitors to hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.”
The financial terms of the new agreement remain ambiguous; previous agreements mandated that the Chinese government receive $1 million per year for each bear. Moreover, any panda cubs born in overseas facilities typically return to China before turning four.
Pandas have held a prominent spot in the nation’s capital since 1972 when the first couple, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, were gifted from Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, following President Richard Nixon’s landmark visit to China. This gesture birthed a series of 10-year cooperation agreements.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, highlighted that decades of collaboration have significantly advanced panda preservation research and breeding efforts. Thanks to these initiatives, pandas have shifted status from an endangered species to merely vulnerable in conservation terms.
“This new phase of cooperation will emphasize preventing and treating major diseases, as well as protecting the habitats and populations of wild giant pandas,” Liu stated in an email. “We aspire for the arrival of these pandas to inject fresh momentum into exchanges between China and the U.S., fostering stability in our broader bilateral relationship.”
