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Hello Washington D.C., two new pandas are coming

CGTN

Meet two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, who are set to travel from their homes in Sichuan Province, China to the U.S. capital Washington D.C. later this year, according to the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Male giant panda Bao Li, born in August 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Shenshuping Base in Wolong, China on May 16, 2024. /CFP
Male giant panda Bao Li, born in August 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Shenshuping Base in Wolong, China on May 16, 2024. /CFP

Male giant panda Bao Li, born in August 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Shenshuping Base in Wolong, China on May 16, 2024. /CFP

Female Giant panda Qing Bao, born in September 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Dujiangyan Base in Sichuan, China, May 17, 2024. /CFP
Female Giant panda Qing Bao, born in September 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Dujiangyan Base in Sichuan, China, May 17, 2024. /CFP

Female Giant panda Qing Bao, born in September 2021, is seen in his enclosure at the Dujiangyan Base in Sichuan, China, May 17, 2024. /CFP

The Smithsonian's National Zoo has been renovating both its indoor and outdoor facilities to welcome these pandas ahead of their arrival. Since the first pair of giant pandas arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1972, pandas have been one of the zoo's biggest attractions.

Experts from China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda have been traveling frequently to Washington D.C. in the first half of this year to ensure the accommodation, habitats and enclosures, feeding regimens, and medical support are up to standard.

The news comes six months after giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, returned home to China in November 2023, prompting a nationwide outpouring of farewell from millions of people in the United States.

For fans of the family, Bao Li is the grandson of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. Bao Li’s mother, Bao Bao, was born in 2013 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and is the couple’s second offspring.

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