Giant Pandas Bao Li and Ching Bao Make Their Debut at National Zoo

The highly anticipated debut of two giant pandas, Bao Li and Ching Bao, took place at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on January 24, 2025. This event has attracted significant attention from both visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. Bao Li, a five-year-old male panda, and his companion Ching Bao, a three-year-old female panda, were introduced to the public following months of preparation and a successful acclimation period. The pandas are part of a larger conservation effort managed by the National Zoo, which focuses on the preservation of the vulnerable giant panda species. According to zoo officials, ‘The arrival of Bao Li and Ching Bao is a monumental moment for our zoo and for panda conservation efforts globally.’ Visitors have the opportunity to view the pandas live in their specially designed habitat, which mimics their natural environment in the mountains of China. The zoo has also launched a live-streaming option, allowing fans from around the world to watch the pandas interact and play in real-time. The National Zoo’s panda cam is expected to bolster worldwide interest in giant pandas and broaden educational outreach on their habitat and behavior. The public is eager to witness the pandas’ playful antics and behaviors, with many taking to social media to share their excitement. The introduction of Bao Li and Ching Bao not only stands as a notable event for animal enthusiasts but also represents a step forward for the National Zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and education.