Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian National Zoo was home to several giant pandas on loan from China thanks to a trade agreement between the zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association until 2023 -most notably, adult pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. The agreement came to an end in December 2023, and it was a sad day when the zoo sent the pandas back to their true homes. Don’t be sad for long, though, because it was announced this morning that the pandas are coming back to the Smithsonian Zoo in 2024.
Giant Pandas: A Vulnerable Species
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According to the World Wildlife Foundation, Giant Pandas are a vulnerable species – meaning that they aren’t quite endangered, but they are a species that faces a high risk of extinction due to the many threats they face in the wild. One of the most significant threats they face is the removal of their habitat, China’s Yangtze Basin region. There are over 50 panda reserves in China. However, only 67% of China’s wild pandas live in reserves, leaving the other 33% in danger of losing their homes and their lives due to infrastructure development and poaching.
Pandas At the Smithsonian
Adult Panda Mei Xiang welcomed 4 surviving cubs during her time in the United States. Tai Shan (2005), Bao Bao (2013), Bei Bei (2015), and Xiao Qi Ji (2020). As Mei Xiang’s cubs came of age, they were sent back to China as part of the agreement so that they could be introduced into the program in other locations and further the conservation of the species. Seeing as she had 4 babies in captivity, it\’s safe to say that this program is quite successful!
The New Arrivals
In a special video aired this morning, Secretary Lonnie Bunch of the Smithsonian National Zoo announces in a video with Jill Biden, “I’m thrilled to announce that within this year, we will once again welcome a new pair of giant pandas to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington D.C.”.
Bao Li and Ching Bao are both 2-year-old pandas whose names mean “treasure”. Their names fit perfectly because they truly are a national treasure to us here in the United States. They will arrive via FedEx sometime in 2024 and will live at the Smithsonian Zoo until at least 2034 according to the new trade agreement. Renovations to the giant panda habitat have been ongoing since 2023 and are expected to be finished in time to greet the newcomers.
So, get excited, everyone! The giant pandas are coming back to the Smithsonian Zoo this year. Patrons of the Smithsonian National Zoo will be able to visit the pandas in person at their newly upgraded habitat or view them on the Panda Cams on the Smithsonian’s website – the latter of which will receive a one-time upgrade before the new guests arrive.
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