National Zoo Welcomes New Giant Pandas From China

Giant panda Xiao Qi Ji plays at his enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, Sept. 28, 2023. Two giant pandas are coming to Washington’s National Zoo from China by the end of th

Washington's National Zoo is set to welcome two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, from China by the end of the year. This announcement comes after the return of three pandas to China earlier this year due to the expiration of loan agreements amid diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has been at the forefront of giant panda conservation efforts for over five decades, contributing to the species' shift from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable' on the global list of at-risk species.