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Dujiangyan, China (CNN) – A thrilling chapter in panda history is about to unfold as two giant pandas embark on their journey to Washington’s National Zoo! Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, are ready to charm the American public, marking the much-anticipated return of these beloved creatures to the capital after a 24-year hiatus.
On Monday night, local time, the adorable duo departed from the giant panda research base in Dujiangyan, a city nestled near their native habitat in the breathtaking mountains of southwest China. They will board a specially chartered FedEx Boeing 777 cargo jet, aptly named the “Panda Express,” to begin their adventure to the United States.
“We have prepared corn buns, bamboo shoots, carrots, water, and medicine to ensure the pandas’ needs are met during the flight,” announced the China Wildlife Conservation Association in a statement.
These black-and-white bears are the first pandas sent to Washington from China since a previous pair returned home with their cub last November, prompting emotional farewells at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The zoo’s panda exhibit, a previous hotspot for millions of visitors, has been empty for the past 11 months, eagerly awaiting the arrival of its new residents.
Before their departure, a send-off ceremony was held at a local hotel, attended by a delegation from the Washington zoo. Brandie Smith, director of the National Zoo, praised the longstanding collaboration between the Smithsonian and its Chinese partners in panda conservation dating back to 1972.
“These beloved black-and-white bears are icons in Washington D.C. and adored around the world,” said Smith. “Our team and legions of fans look forward to welcoming Bao Li and Qing Bao to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.”
The pandas are on loan to the National Zoo for 10 years at a cost of $1 million annually, supporting conservation efforts back in China. Bao Li has familial ties to Washington; his mother, Bao Bao, was born at the National Zoo in 2013.
Keeper Mariel Lally, who will accompany the pandas on their flight, noted, “Bao Li looks almost identical to his grandfather, Tian Tian.”
Extensive preparations have been made for the pandas’ journey across the Pacific Ocean. Lally spent the past 10 days at the Dujiangyan base getting to know the bears and coordinating with their Chinese keepers. The pandas were trained to enter their shipping crates voluntarily, excited by the promise of their favorite treats.
“They’re really comfortable in there, and the crates are humongous,” Lally added. “They could lay down in any direction, stand up, or even do a cartwheel!”
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was the first in the U.S. to showcase these rare, cuddly animals, a move that began with President Richard Nixon’s historic trip to China in 1972. The arrival of giant pandas has since drawn millions of visitors, solidifying their status as star attractions.
However, the excitement of their return has sparked controversy. A vocal minority in China has expressed concerns over sending these “national treasures” abroad, alleging mistreatment in American zoos and fueling nationalistic sentiments.
The China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas issued a statement addressing these rumors, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in panda conservation.
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