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WASHINGTON, DC’s newest pandas – Bao Li and Qing Bao – will be officially introduced to the public on Friday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Visitors will be able to see Bao Li and Qing Bao at the family’s Giant Panda Habitat, a large complex at the David M. Rubenstein Zoo, named after the Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein and his family, where the bears have settled since arriving in the state capital from China last year.
Rubenstein, worth $4.1 billion by Forbes, has long been a supporter of the National Zoo and Conservation Institute’s (NZCBI) Giant Panda Conservation Program.
David Rubenstein, co-founder of Carlyle Group Inc., at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The annual gathering of political leaders, top executives and celebrities runs from January 20 to 24. PH (Stefan Wermuth / Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Under the program, Smithsonian scientists are “working to unravel the mysteries of Panda biology and behavior, gaining key insights into their dietary needs, reproductive habits and genetic diversity,” according to the NZCBI.
Giant pandas arrive at new home at Washington, DC Zoo via FedEx: ‘Moldy cargo’
Rubenstein’s contributions to the program are total 22 million dollars Over the past thirteen years, the Smithsonian said. Most recently, in September, he pledged a whopping $10 million to work at the zoo.
The eight-figure donation, described as an “anchor gift” for NZCBI’s $25 million campaign to help cover program costs over the next decade, will support the efforts of the Smithsonian and Chinese partners Innovate new techniques and conduct research to contribute to the health and well-being of giant pandas in human care and to expand work critical to the conservation of giant pandas in the wild, including research on native habitat restoration and climate change impact assessment,” the Smithsonian said in a press release announcing the release gift.
Giant pandas are considered by conservationists to be a “vulnerable” species.
“The National Zoo’s panda program brings joy to millions of people today, as it does the important work of understanding and preserving these magnificent creatures for generations to come,” Rubenstein said in September. “I am pleased to renew my support for this consequential program, part of a larger Smithsonian campaign.”
“David Rubenstein’s long-term support has transformed our giant panda program and, in turn, the future of this magnificent species and its native habitat,” said NZCBI director Brandie Smith, adding that Rubenstein “understands that the job of saving giant pandas is more than one person, one organization or one nation.”
The large exhibits at the National Zoo where Bao Li and Qing Bao now live have been named the David M. Rubestein Family Giant Panda Habitat since 2011. The zoo gave the name “in appreciation” of a $4.5 million gift from the Giant Panda Program that year, according to a statement at the time.
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Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 3 years old, have been at the exhibition since mid-October.
Giant Panda Bao Li is seen at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC on January 9, 2025. | Getty Images
The zoo signed a 10-year contract with the China Wildlife Conservation Association over the summer for “cooperative research and breeding”, paving the way for DC to receive the two bears, the NZCBI said in May. Includes an annual fee of $1 million for NZCBI.
The FedExes The famous Panda Express jet brought a pair of pandas to the US from China.
“The new @nationalzoo giant pandas are in DC!” Rubenstein told X when they arrived. “Go #PANDAS GO @ORIOLES.”
A group of veterinarians look at Bao Li at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on January 2, 2025 in Washington, DC (Jahi Chikwendiu / Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
In the lead up to Bao Li and Qing Bao going on display on Friday, small groups “including zoo staff, volunteers, members and other stakeholders visit the pandas and help them adjust to the sights, sounds and smells of the crowds,” he said. Smithsonian earlier this month.
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The zoo’s popular “Giant Panda Cam” plans to return for “virtual visitors” once the bears become visible to the public. Boeing sponsors that camera network.
In October, the Smithsonian said it expected to welcome “thousands” of people to the zoo.
