Pandas from China arrive at Washington DC National Zoo.
Two giant pandas came to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington DC from China. The pandas arrived in Washington on Oct. 15. The U.S National Zoo has been without pandas in its exhibitions for nearly a year.
The pandas were sent as part of an agreement announced earlier this year. The arrangement was intended to warm relations between the US and China by government officials, reported Reuters. Three other giant pandas were returned to China, two adults and their cub which had been on loan from China reports Reuters. The new pandas named Bao Li and Qing Bao, arrived at Dulles International Airport on a FedEx plane. Both were transported in large white crates with breathing holes. The pandas were driven by truck to the zoo from the airport. FedEx was responsible for their delivery, even having a plane with a panda pictured along the side for this special delivery.
Both pandas are two years old and Qing Bao is the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, two of the pandas who were sent back to China in exchange for the younger pandas. FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and national zoos transporting pandas across the globe. The company is “Committed to keeping supply chains moving and connecting communities around the world by enabling global trade” reported FedEx. Richard W. Smith, the chief operating officer, International and chief executive officer reported that “each panda move is special” reported FedEx. Smith further talked about how FedEx has worked to transport pandas since 2000 but this was their first round trip move, transporting pandas to China and then back to the US reported FedEx. Smith added after the safety of the pandas was ensured that “FedEx is once again proud to deliver this precious cargo” reports FedEx.
Animal care experts were onboard the flight to care for the pandas from Zoo Atlanta and The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. FedEx reported the pandas were the only cargo on board the flight, aside from their supplies, such as bamboo, water and their favorite treats. Before the pandas boarded their flight, they spent time getting accustomed to their enclosures to ensure their safety and comfort during their journeys. Bao Li and Qing Bao are quarantined until January 2025, at that time they can be put on public display, making their debut in the zoo. FedEx has been responsible for safely transporting 21 pandas to and from China reports FedEx.
Pandas have been in the US since 1972 when the Chinese government sent two pandas as a gift as a result of President Nixon’s historic visit to China so the two countries established diplomatic relations, reports Reuters.
Brandie Smith, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington DC
director who traveled to China to participate in farewell ceremonies for the pandas before they left said Washington DC is the only place you can see giant pandas for free in the nation, reported AP news. Pandas have become the unofficial symbols of the nation’s capital, when the 1972 agreement rolled a series of 10 year agreements of cooperation, reported AP news.