New chapter in panda conservation: U.S. zoo to welcome pair from China

The China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Smithsonian's National Zoo in the United States have signed a new agreement for giant panda conservation research, according to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

Two giant pandas, Bao Li (male) and Qing Bao (female), both born in 2021, will travel from the center to the U.S. later this year.

To ensure their well-being, Chinese experts have visited the National Zoo three times in 2024. They provided guidance on giant panda enclosure facilities, feeding protocols, food safety, veterinary care, and other requirements.

The National Zoo has been renovating its facilities to create a comfortable and secure environment for the pandas. Experienced full-time caregivers, a professional veterinary team, and a scientific research team are also in place.

This collaboration marks the second phase of a successful partnership between the two institutions. From 2000 to 2023, they jointly bred four litters of giant panda cubs.