Two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, were transported to their new home at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. via a custom-decaled “Panda Express” Boeing 777F provided by FedEx. The pandas, meaning “precious vigor” and “green treasure,” arrived at Dulles International Airport on Tuesday morning and were safely escorted to the National Zoo in specially-designed crates. The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao follows the return of several beloved pandas to China due to failed negotiations with the Chinese government.
Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI, expressed excitement over the arrival of the pandas, emphasizing that Washington, D.C. is the only place in the nation where giant pandas can be seen for free. The Smithsonian National Zoo, which sits on 163 acres and features over 2,200 species of animals, has been preparing for the pandas’ arrival for months. FedEx, as the transportation provider, ensured the safe delivery of Bao Li and Qing Bao, underscoring the company’s dedication to connecting communities globally.
Upon their arrival, the pandas will undergo a mandatory quarantine period of at least thirty days in the panda house. Despite this, the pandas are scheduled to make their public debut on January 24, 2025, allowing visitors to see the new additions to the zoo. The successful transportation of Bao Li and Qing Bao demonstrates FedEx’s commitment to leveraging its global network to deliver precious cargo, such as the giant pandas, to their destinations. Richard W. Smith, COO International and CEO Airline at FedEx, expressed pride in the company’s role in transporting the pandas safely.
The pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, represent a new chapter in the Smithsonian National Zoo’s conservation efforts and commitment to preserving endangered species. The arrival of the pandas highlights the importance of international collaborations in conservation and wildlife protection. With the pandas’ public debut scheduled for early 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to see the unique and beloved animals up close, without an entrance fee. The Smithsonian National Zoo continues to be a leader in promoting animal welfare and awareness, providing a home for a diverse array of species.
