A pair of three-year-old giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, touched down in Washington, D.C., bringing back the cherished tradition of "panda diplomacy" following an 11-month absence. Their journey, which began in China, concluded with a motorcade through the city escorted by police. The National Zoo, their new home, had been without pandas for the first time in over half a century, following the departure of three pandas to a nature preserve in Sichuan, China, last November.
Panda Diplomacy Returns to Washington: New Arrivals at National Zoo
Panda Diplomacy Returns to Washington: New Arrivals at National Zoo
After an 11-month hiatus, two giant pandas from China have arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, rekindling the longstanding tradition of "panda diplomacy" between China and the U.S.
The pandas' arrival marks the start of a 10-year visit announced by the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Although the National Zoo closed its doors on Tuesday to allow an orderly transfer, visitors can look forward to seeing the pandas in January, following a quarantine period. The zoo had eagerly anticipated the return, with social media posts celebrating the arrival of the “celebearities.” This event highlights the enduring cultural and diplomatic connections facilitated through wildlife exchange programs, with the pandas symbolizing goodwill and collaboration between nations.
