Hi Bao Li and Qing Bao! Expected Pandas Couple debut at the Washington National Zoo

After months of waiting, the public can see the Bao Li pandas (precious vigor) and Qing Bao (green treasure), in the National Zoo in Washington, where the bears couple has been in the process of adaptation since their arrival in October . Two live cameras transmit images from their habitat.

The long “pandas drought” finally ended for nature enthusiasts in Washington. Dozens of people gathered this Friday at the National Zoological Smithsonian of the US capital to witness the public debut of Bao Li and Qing Bao after waiting months.

The Arrival of the popular white bears Last October he ended an absence of 11 months in the capital institution, after the return to China of three popular pandas, unusual ambassadors of a unique form of diplomacy.

“Bao Li and Qing Bao have already earned the hearts of our staff and volunteers, and we are excited to welcome fans of the Pandas to the Zoo, the only place in the nation where you can see giant pandas for free , and celebrate the newest chapter of our raising and conservation program of giant pandas, “said Brandie Smith, director of the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Bao Li (precious vigor) and Qing Bao (green treasure), received a warm welcome with an official opening of their habitats that included a musical band, costumes and applause from dozens of visitors. The Zoo celebrates the occasion with a series of events ranging from thematic packages in hotels in the city and to a special edition of a subway card.

For those who do not want to lose foot or step on the popular bears or live outside Washington, the Cam Panda also debuted today, which will show live what each panda does, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, local time.

Since his arrival in an airplane baptized as Panda Express, Bao Li and Qing Bao had only been seen in photographs published on the social networks of the Zoo, which increased the enthusiasm of the fans in the face of the opening to the public.

The couple traveled to the US from a research center in the city of Dujiangyan, in southwest China, as part of a collaboration that will bring “new contributions to the protection of global biodiversity and improve the friendship of the peoples of the two countries “, According to a statement from the China Wildlife Conservation Association published in October.

Diplomacy to conserve

The announcement of the arrival of the popular animals, among the favorites of adults and children, ended the uncertainty about whether the pandas would return to Washington after The agreed game of Mei Xiang, 25; Tian Tian, ​​26, and the little puppy of both, Xiao, 3.

The bilateral agreement for the preservation and stay of the Chinese giant pandas in the United States began 51 years ago as an official agreement between the two countries, whose complicated relationship has historically suffered political ups and downs.

His expiration in 2023 generated some concern among American lovers of the pandas that Beijing gradually retired his hairy ambassadors of the friendship of US zoos in the midst of growing diplomatic tensions.

Finally, former president Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jingpin agreed to continue the pact, according to which Bao Li and Qing Bao will remain in the Washington Zoo until 2034, and the puppies who give birth will move to China when they turn four years.

The Pandas stay comprises a millionaire program that includes the restoration of the habitat of the giant panda, the monitoring of wildlife diseases and the evaluation of the impacts of climate change on the threatened species.

According to calculations, scientists estimate that there are less than 2,000 giant pandas living in freedom, scattered in half a dozen mountain regions of China. Some 420 copies live in captivity in zoos and reserves, most in China, which for half a century has given or lent to its most beloved diplomats. In return, zoos pay high rate to support pandas conservation programs in China.