PHOTOS: Here they are — Bao Li and Qing Bao — DC’s new giant pandas

Giant pandas debut at DC’s National Zoo

The long, un-bear-able wait finally came to an end Friday when D.C.’s newest giant pandas made their public debut at the National Zoo.

A joyful opening ceremony included remarks from Smithsonian officials, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng. Kindergarten students from the Yu Ying Public Charter School sang a song and read a poem while wearing panda hats, and the Crush Funk Brass Band performed next to a Panda mascot as the exhibit gates were officially opened.

“We are so excited to welcome the pandas back, and especially, more importantly, to welcome our fans back to see the pandas,” said Stephanie Brinley, Deputy Director at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). “This has been a long time coming, but these pandas are amazing. They’re engaging, and they’re excited to see people.”

The pandas had been in quarantine since arriving in D.C. in October via the FedEx Panda Express. They will stay at the National Zoo until 2034

If you weren’t able to make it for their official coming-out, here are some photos.


More panda news


 

Qing Bao, the female panda, walks in her habitat during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Bao Li, the male panda, eats bamboo leaves during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Bao Li, the male panda, eats bamboo leaves during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Qing Bao, the female panda, eats an apple during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Bao Li, the male panda, walks in his habitat during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Bao Li, the male panda, eats bamboo leaves during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Qing Bao, the female panda, eats a carrot during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Bao Li, the male panda, eats bamboo leaves during the public debut of the giant pandas at the National Zoo on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

© 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up