FedEx
, is about to welcome two pandas onboard for a special charted flight from China to Washington, DC, on Monday, October 21. Dubbed the ‘Panda Express, it will carry the three-year-olds Qing Bao (female) and Bao Li (male), who will be on loan for ten years, to the National Zoological Park. These pandas will travel far from their usual Dujiangyan, Southwest China residence. For FedEx, this won’t be the first time it has transported these beautiful animals.
Inflight meals have been ordered
Corn buns, bamboo shoots, carrots, and water will all be onboard to ensure the panda’s luxury travel. Medicine and a special team of animal care experts will also be at hand to provide any special aid during the flight. Since 1972, the United States, and China
have worked together for panda diplomacy. This was first seen under former President Richard Nixon’s reign when the first Chinese pandas were sent to the United States and featured at the National Zoo.
However, following strained diplomatic relationships since 2010, China has not renewed contracts, which saw many pandas return to China after their lease periods. This was highlighted in 2019 when they departed San Diego Zoo and in 2023 when DC also waved goodbye to pandas.
Photo: FedEx Business Insights
Qing Bao and Bao Li will be the first pandas sent to the US capital in over 24 years. Loaded to the National Zoo for a period of 10 years, the fee paid to the China Wildlife Conservation Society is around one million dollars a year, which is spent on conservation efforts across China.
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A family history at the National Zoo
For one panda, Bao Li, it will not be the first time his flesh and blood have resided at the National Zoo. As reported by WTOP News, Bao Li’s mother, Bao Bao, was born at the National Zoo back in 2013 but returned to China four years later. Bao Li’s grandparents, Mei Xiang, and Tian Tian, also spent time in Washington DC
, living at the National Zoo for 23 years until their lease ended last year, and they also returned to China.
At the National Zoo, preparations have been in full swing to welcome back the iconic pandas, which historically have drawn in thousands of visitors each year. The past 11 months however, the space has been left vacant. Brandie Smith, the Smithsonian National Zoo’s director, spoke with the Washington Examiner about the preparations and excitement to be welcoming panda’s back to Washington:
“These beloved black and white bears are icons in Washington DC, and adored around the world. Our team and legions of fans look forward to welcoming Bao Li and Qing Bao to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.”
“This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact. Through this partnership, we have grown the panda population, advanced our shared understanding of how to care for this beloved bear and learned what’s needed to protect wild pandas and preserve native habitat.”
Photo: FedEx Business Insights
Qing Bao and Bao Li are scheduled to depart from China on Monday evening local time and arrive in Washington. Once they have landed, they will be kept in quarantine for around 30 days after having initial health checks, before being released into the public enclosure.