The Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao (3yr) made their public debut (1/24) at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. They are part of a conservation program between the U.S. and China. A rekindled historic partnership that goes back over half a century.
Panda fans are welcome to visit Bao Li and Qing Bao as they explore their indoor and outdoor habitats. Can't make it in person. No worries! Watch them in action on the live "Giant Panda Cam'! Live 6a-6p CST everyday. After hours there is 12 hours of pre-recorded fun of pandamonium! The zoo said the “Giant Panda Cam” features 40 cameras that are operated from a central system.
Bao Li and Qing Bao will live in the U.S. until April 2034 for an annual fee of $1 Million. They are still a bit young to breed. Pandas reach sexual maturity between ages 4-7. Researchers feel it will probably be a couple of years before they mate.
If Bao Li and Qing Bao produce offspring, their cubs by age 4 would leave for a breeding program in China. A conservation program that's been put together to help keep the panda population thriving. Pandas were once classified as endangered, and now on the vulnerable list. The program is successful in many ways, including uniting countries for the greater good. Doing 1Thing Together!
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M&Ms is celebrating Bao Li & Qing Bao with a sweet treat that helps raise money for Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.