DC’s new giant pandas arrive at new home at National Zoo

WASHINGTON - Crowds of people gathered outside the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to mark the return of the giant pandas. 

Two pandas, Bao Li (precious vigor) and Qing Bao (green treasure), started their long journey from China to the nation's capital on Monday. 

The pair landed at Dulles International Airport on Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. aboard the custom-decaled Panda Express Boeing 777F. After they were safely offboarded, the bears were transported in specially designed crates to the National Zoo. A police escort cleared the way as the bears were brought down Connecticut Avenue and turned into the zoo grounds.

Their arrival came 11-months after the National Zoo returned the wildly popular pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji to China after negotiations with the Chinese government to extend the exchange agreement broke down.

READ MORE: Giant pandas on their way to DC

Their provisions for the journey included corn bread, bamboo, carrots, water, and medicine, according to the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The pandas will undergo an extended quarantine and acclimation period before being introduced to the public. 

READ MORE: Giant pandas returning to DC’s National Zoo

The Zoo announced on X that it will be closed to the public on October 15 for the safety of the pandas and staff.

The new pandas will be part of a new 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities. It brings reassurance to American panda enthusiasts who were concerned about the expiration of the previous deal amid rising diplomatic tensions. 

The Zoo's post hinted at the excitement, writing, "Something ‘giant’ is coming to Washington, D.C. via the FedEx Panda Express!"

READ MORE: Disappointment, tears at National Zoo after giant pandas leave for China