After more than a year without pandas, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has welcomed two new giant pandas, much to the delight of visitors. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, have settled into their new home after their predecessors, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, returned to China in November 2023 when their lease expired.
Meet Bao Li and Qing Bao
The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao has created excitement among animal lovers, attracting large crowds eager to see the new panda duo. Visitors can watch them play, eat bamboo, and explore their enclosure. To celebrate their arrival, the zoo hosted a special welcome event, drawing panda enthusiasts from all over the country.
Watch the Pandas Live on the ‘Giant Panda Cam’
For those who can’t visit the National Zoo in person, there’s good news! The “Giant Panda Cam” offers a live-streaming experience, allowing fans worldwide to watch Bao Li and Qing Bao anytime.
How Does the ‘Giant Panda Cam’ Work?
The panda cam is made up of 40 cameras placed around their enclosure. These cameras are controlled by trained volunteers from a central system and stream daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. After live hours, recordings are rebroadcast so that viewers can still catch up on the pandas’ most active moments.
The “Giant Panda Cam” first launched in 2011 and has since gained more than 100 million views, capturing many special moments, including the birth of Xiao Qi Ji.
Plan Your Visit to the National Zoo
If you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., you can see Bao Li and Qing Bao for free at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Unlike some other exhibits, there is no additional fee to visit the pandas.
How to Get Your Free Passes
- Online Reservations: Passes can be booked in advance at nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events.
- Same-Day Entry: If you don’t book online, a limited number of same-day passes may be available at the zoo’s entrances.
The return of giant pandas to the National Zoo is an exciting event for animal lovers everywhere. Bao Li and Qing Bao are already winning hearts with their playful nature, and thanks to the “Giant Panda Cam,” fans worldwide can follow their daily activities. Whether you visit in person or tune in online, these adorable pandas are sure to bring joy and entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to see them!
