DC’s Giant Pandas Make Their Debut!
On January 24, giant pandas Bao Li [BOW-lee] and Qing Bao [ching-BOW] made their public debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, DC.
"For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, DC, thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District," said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. "Bao Li and Qing Bao have already won the hearts of our staff and volunteers, and we are excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo—the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free —and celebrate the newest chapter of our giant panda breeding and conservation program."
The Zoo will relaunch the Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by The Boeing Company, ensuring virtual visitors can join in the celebration and welcome these animal ambassadors to Washington. The Giant Panda Cam is composed of 40 cameras operated from a central system by a corps of specially trained volunteers. The webcams will be live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. After 7 p.m., the day's recording will be rebroadcast to ensure virtual visitors around the world can view the animals when they are most active. Ahead of the Giant Panda Cam's revival, the Zoo launched "Prepping for Pandas"—an original, short-form digital series that highlighted special moments and milestones of the new pandas' journey to their public debut.
Photo courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Free entry passes and paid parking passes should be reserved in advance through the Zoo's website. Guests of all ages must have their own free entry pass. A limited number of same-day passes may be offered at Zoo entrances for visitors without access to the Zoo's website. To follow the latest news about NZCBI's panda program, visit the Zoo's website.
Destination DC have also shared a Giant Panda Guide for all the information visitors need to know.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
