Giant Pandas are headed to the National Zoo
(Photo : Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
The National Zoo is getting two giant pandas from China.

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. says it is getting two new giant pandas.

The National Zoo announced Wednesday morning that Qing Bao and Bao Li will arrive from China by the end of 2024.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden joined Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Zoo Director Brandie Smith in a video to reveal the pandas are coming to the nation's capital. 

Bao Li is a male that was born on Aug. 4, 2021.

In Mandarin Chinese, "Bao" means 'precious' and 'treasure'. "Li" refers to vitality and strength. Put together, "Bao Li" means an active and vital power.

Qing Bao is a female born on Sept. 12, 2021.

Her name means 'green' and 'treasure' in Mandarin Chinese. 'Qing' evokes the lush and mountainous habitat of pandas. 'Bao', which means 'precious' and 'treasure', reflects how cherished and adored she is, the zoo said.

The new pandas are coming on a 10-year lease from China that will cost $1 million a year.

Along with being able to see the giant pandas in person, they will stream on a live camera for people around the country to be able to catch a glimpse of them.

The National Zoo has had a 52-year-old conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

Beijing pulled three giant pandas from the National Zoo in 2023. After the departure of Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, the panda enclosure at the zoo has remained empty.

Smithsonian officials hope to raise $25 million for giant panda conservation.

Federal tax dollars will cover the costs of the two pandas coming to the zoo.

Last month, the San Diego Zoo announced it was getting a pair of giant pandas from China.  

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