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New Giant Pandas Arrive in Washington, Sparking Joy and Diplomacy

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Bao Li And Qing Bao Pandas At National Zoo

WASHINGTON – Frances Nguyen’s life changed forever in 2006 when she first watched the National Zoo’s “Giant Panda Cam.” The sight of a mother panda caring for her cub stirred memories of her own separation from her parents during the Vietnam War. Since then, pandas have become a central part of her life, inspiring her photography, conservation efforts, and even her marriage. Now, after more than a year without pandas at the zoo, Nguyen and thousands of others are celebrating the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao, the latest bears loaned by China as part of its decades-long panda diplomacy program.

The 3-year-old pandas arrived in Washington in October after a 19-hour flight from Chengdu, China. They replace Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, who returned to China in late 2023. Their public debut on Friday marks the continuation of a unique U.S.-China relationship that began in 1972, when the first pandas arrived following President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China.

“This is a new era,” said Nguyen, 51, who founded the conservation group Pandas Unlimited. “I get to start early and watch them grow. My children get to see them grow, too.”

The pandas’ arrival has already sparked a resurgence of panda-mania in the capital. The National Zoo, which saw a 20% drop in visitors last year, has gained over 1,000 new members since announcing the bears’ arrival. Many attended preview events to see Bao Li and Qing Bao before their official debut. “They’re just something everyone in D.C. can agree on loving,” said Liz Charboneau, a longtime zoo patron. “They’re a bright spot for the city.”

Bao Li, known for his playful antics, and Qing Bao, a more contemplative panda, have already charmed early visitors. During a preview event, Bao Li rolled in the snow and played with an inner tube, while Qing Bao enjoyed bamboo on her climbing gym. “They were almost putting on a show for us,” said Lynn Kinsel, who attended with her aunt, Anne Bossi.

The pandas’ presence is not just a source of joy but also a symbol of diplomacy. Amid strained U.S.-China relations, their return to Washington was uncertain until a new agreement was reached. “They’re not just rare in the wild, but they’re rare in zoos,” said Brandie Smith, director of the National Zoo. “When you see one, that’s a special opportunity.”

For Nguyen, the pandas are deeply personal. Bao Li is the third generation of his family to live in Washington, with ties to the bears that first captivated her. “Watching these animals interact, it just filled me in ways that I didn’t understand,” she said. “Being there made me smile. Made me laugh. It was such a happy place.”

As the pandas settle into their new home, their charm continues to unite people across the city. “Words can’t describe how happy I was,” Nguyen said after seeing Bao Li slide in the snow. “It was that old feeling. And then going in with my husband – to the place where we met – it was just so special.”