Pandas Depart Dujiangyan Research Base
The three-year-old pandas left China’s Dujiangyan Panda Research Base on Monday evening, boarding a FedEx Boeing 777, fittingly named the “Panda Express,” early Tuesday morning. The pair will be the first pandas sent to Washington in 24 years, following the departure of the zoo’s previous panda residents last November.The China Wildlife Conservation Association ensured the pandas were well-prepared for their long flight, packing bamboo shoots, corn buns, carrots, fresh water, and medicine. "Their needs will be met every step of the way," the association confirmed.CNN, the only foreign media present at the sendoff, captured the moments as Bao Li and Qing Bao were transported in crates. While Bao Li, the male panda, remained calm, Qing Bao, the smaller female, was restless, sticking her paws through the bars of her crate. Staff at the base waved photos of the pair and chanted farewell slogans as trucks carried the pandas toward the airport.A ceremony held earlier that day featured a delegation from Washington’s National Zoo, which had traveled to China to help with the transition. Zoo director Brandie Smith celebrated the decades-long partnership between China and the U.S., calling the pandas “icons in Washington and adored worldwide.”A Million-Dollar Welcome
The National Zoo, which underwent a major renovation of its panda exhibit, eagerly awaits the new arrivals. Bao Li and Qing Bao will be on a 10-year loan, with the zoo paying China an annual fee of $1 million to support panda conservation efforts. The pair’s arrival marks a "new chapter" for the zoo’s conservation program, according to Smith.Bao Li’s family already has deep roots in Washington. His grandparents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were fixtures at the zoo for 23 years, and his mother, Bao Bao, was born there in 2013 before returning to China. Zoo staff are excited about the resemblance between Bao Li and his grandfather Tian Tian, with keeper Mariel Lally joking, “It’s like having Tian Tian Junior.”
Preparing for the Journey
The pandas’ relocation involved meticulous preparation. Lally and other National Zoo staff spent 10 days working with Chinese keepers to ensure a smooth transition. Since mid-September, the pandas had been in quarantine, separated from the public to acclimate to their travel crates and new routine.“We made sure the pandas felt at ease,” Lally explained. “They love going into their crates voluntarily because they get their favorite treats inside. These crates are spacious enough for them to stretch out, roll, or even do a cartwheel.”Accompanied by two keepers and a veterinarian, Bao Li and Qing Bao will travel comfortably across the Pacific. Their keepers can easily feed them bamboo and fruit during the flight, ensuring they stay well-nourished. "It’s going to be a long ride, but they’ll be very comfortable," Lally said.Panda Diplomacy in a Shifting Landscape
The arrival of the pandas reflects a continuation of China's long-standing "panda diplomacy" strategy, which began during the Cold War. The first pandas arrived in the U.S. in 1972, following President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China. Since then, these animals have symbolized goodwill between the two nations.The National Zoo's first pandas, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, became instant celebrities, drawing 20,000 visitors on their first day. The zoo’s Giant Panda Cam has since garnered over 100 million views, captivating audiences worldwide.However, in recent years, tensions between the U.S. and China have complicated this form of diplomacy. San Diego and Memphis zoos returned their pandas to China, and the four pandas in Atlanta are scheduled to leave this year. These returns raised concerns that China might limit panda loans to the U.S., redirecting them to Europe and the Middle East instead.In a gesture aimed at stabilizing relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced last November that more pandas would be sent to the U.S., calling them “envoys of friendship.” In June, the San Diego Zoo received new pandas, and the National Zoo followed with its own announcement that Bao Li and Qing Bao would arrive by year-end.Controversy and Conservation
Despite the excitement surrounding the pandas’ arrival, not everyone in China supports the loans. Some online influencers, fueled by anti-U.S. sentiment, have protested the decision, claiming without evidence that American zoos mistreat pandas. This controversy escalated after health concerns were raised about Ya Ya, a panda previously housed at the Memphis Zoo.The China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda issued a statement denying these allegations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. “We understand the public’s concern, but please do not believe internet rumors,” the center stated.Zoo officials in Washington aim to reassure the public that the new pandas will be well cared for. "We have decades of experience in panda conservation," said Smith. "The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao marks a historic moment and reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving great conservation outcomes."A New Era for the National Zoo
For Washington residents, the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao signals the return of a beloved tradition. The pandas are not just animals; they represent an emotional connection for visitors and conservationists alike. After nearly a year without pandas, the zoo anticipates large crowds once the new pair is on display.“This isn’t just about pandas—it’s about conservation, education, and fostering understanding between nations,” said Smith. "We are thrilled to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao and look forward to sharing their journey with the world."
The three-year-old pandas left China’s Dujiangyan Panda Research Base on Monday evening, boarding a FedEx Boeing 777, fittingly named the “Panda Express,” early Tuesday morning. The pair will be the first pandas sent to Washington in 24 years, following the departure of the zoo’s previous panda residents last November.The China Wildlife Conservation Association ensured the pandas were well-prepared for their long flight, packing bamboo shoots, corn buns, carrots, fresh water, and medicine. "Their needs will be met every step of the way," the association confirmed.CNN, the only foreign media present at the sendoff, captured the moments as Bao Li and Qing Bao were transported in crates. While Bao Li, the male panda, remained calm, Qing Bao, the smaller female, was restless, sticking her paws through the bars of her crate. Staff at the base waved photos of the pair and chanted farewell slogans as trucks carried the pandas toward the airport.A ceremony held earlier that day featured a delegation from Washington’s National Zoo, which had traveled to China to help with the transition. Zoo director Brandie Smith celebrated the decades-long partnership between China and the U.S., calling the pandas “icons in Washington and adored worldwide.”A Million-Dollar Welcome
The National Zoo, which underwent a major renovation of its panda exhibit, eagerly awaits the new arrivals. Bao Li and Qing Bao will be on a 10-year loan, with the zoo paying China an annual fee of $1 million to support panda conservation efforts. The pair’s arrival marks a "new chapter" for the zoo’s conservation program, according to Smith.Bao Li’s family already has deep roots in Washington. His grandparents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were fixtures at the zoo for 23 years, and his mother, Bao Bao, was born there in 2013 before returning to China. Zoo staff are excited about the resemblance between Bao Li and his grandfather Tian Tian, with keeper Mariel Lally joking, “It’s like having Tian Tian Junior.”
Preparing for the JourneyThe pandas’ relocation involved meticulous preparation. Lally and other National Zoo staff spent 10 days working with Chinese keepers to ensure a smooth transition. Since mid-September, the pandas had been in quarantine, separated from the public to acclimate to their travel crates and new routine.“We made sure the pandas felt at ease,” Lally explained. “They love going into their crates voluntarily because they get their favorite treats inside. These crates are spacious enough for them to stretch out, roll, or even do a cartwheel.”Accompanied by two keepers and a veterinarian, Bao Li and Qing Bao will travel comfortably across the Pacific. Their keepers can easily feed them bamboo and fruit during the flight, ensuring they stay well-nourished. "It’s going to be a long ride, but they’ll be very comfortable," Lally said.Panda Diplomacy in a Shifting Landscape
The arrival of the pandas reflects a continuation of China's long-standing "panda diplomacy" strategy, which began during the Cold War. The first pandas arrived in the U.S. in 1972, following President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China. Since then, these animals have symbolized goodwill between the two nations.The National Zoo's first pandas, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, became instant celebrities, drawing 20,000 visitors on their first day. The zoo’s Giant Panda Cam has since garnered over 100 million views, captivating audiences worldwide.However, in recent years, tensions between the U.S. and China have complicated this form of diplomacy. San Diego and Memphis zoos returned their pandas to China, and the four pandas in Atlanta are scheduled to leave this year. These returns raised concerns that China might limit panda loans to the U.S., redirecting them to Europe and the Middle East instead.In a gesture aimed at stabilizing relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced last November that more pandas would be sent to the U.S., calling them “envoys of friendship.” In June, the San Diego Zoo received new pandas, and the National Zoo followed with its own announcement that Bao Li and Qing Bao would arrive by year-end.Controversy and Conservation
Despite the excitement surrounding the pandas’ arrival, not everyone in China supports the loans. Some online influencers, fueled by anti-U.S. sentiment, have protested the decision, claiming without evidence that American zoos mistreat pandas. This controversy escalated after health concerns were raised about Ya Ya, a panda previously housed at the Memphis Zoo.The China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda issued a statement denying these allegations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. “We understand the public’s concern, but please do not believe internet rumors,” the center stated.Zoo officials in Washington aim to reassure the public that the new pandas will be well cared for. "We have decades of experience in panda conservation," said Smith. "The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao marks a historic moment and reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving great conservation outcomes."A New Era for the National Zoo
For Washington residents, the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao signals the return of a beloved tradition. The pandas are not just animals; they represent an emotional connection for visitors and conservationists alike. After nearly a year without pandas, the zoo anticipates large crowds once the new pair is on display.“This isn’t just about pandas—it’s about conservation, education, and fostering understanding between nations,” said Smith. "We are thrilled to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao and look forward to sharing their journey with the world."
