LIFE+STYLE-NATURE | Pandas are back in Washington

Giant panda Qing Bao inspects her exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC, United States. PHOTO: AFP

.

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Two giant pandas made their public debut on Friday in front of hundreds of adoring fans in Washington, United States (US).

Bao Li and Qing Bao rambled around their enclosure, played in the snow and munched on bamboo at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in the US capital.

The pair, who arrived from China in October, have been in quarantine while their home was renovated with new climbing structures, water features and rock zones.

Bao Li and Qing Bao – both three years old – are part of a 10-year agreement with China, after the previous pandas in Washington returned home in 2023.

Their arrival is the latest chapter of so-called “panda diplomacy”, in which China’s black-and-white bears are sent across the globe as soft-power ambassadors.

After Washington lost its last pandas, the lack of immediate replacements was viewed by many as a symbol of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Zoo officials said the two new residents have settled in well with Bao Li, a male, happy to eat anything, though female Qing Bao is pickier.

“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington,” zoo director Brandie Smith said.

“Bao Li and Qing Bao have won our hearts, and we’re excited to welcome panda fans back to the zoo.”

Bao Li’s name translates as “active and vital power” while Qing Bao means “green” and “treasure”.

They were flown from Chengdu to Dulles airport in Virginia aboard a FedEx cargo plane decorated with giant panda images.

.

Under the zoo’s agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the pandas will remain in the US for a decade for an annual fee of USD1 million.

The pandas are too young to breed, but will reach sexual maturity between ages four and seven. Any cub would leave for China when young to join in the country’s breeding programme.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the giant panda was downgraded last year from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction.

The new pandas are among just a few that remain in the US, including a pair that arrived at San Diego’s zoo last summer.

The Washington zoo relaunched its popular giant panda cam, with 40 cameras streaming images throughout the day.

It's only fair to share...