Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao Arriving in D.C. on “Panda Express”

The anticipation is building as the newest giant pandas, male Bao Li and female Qing Bao, prepare to make their debut in Washington, D.C. The pair is currently en route from China on a flight affectionately dubbed the “Panda Express.” They are expected to arrive on Tuesday, with reports from CNN and the Associated Press confirming the exciting news.

The charter plane made a stop in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday night local time before continuing its approximately 3,500-mile journey to the Capitol region, tracked by FlightAware. The Smithsonian National Zoo shared the news on Twitter, stating, “Something giant is coming to Washington, D.C., via the @FedEx Panda Express! The Zoo will be closed to the public today. For the safety of the pandas and staff, we will not disclose any additional timing.”

The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao marks a significant moment for the zoo, which aims to educate visitors about these beloved animals and promote conservation efforts. As excitement builds in the community, fans of all ages are eager to welcome the new residents and learn more about their care and habitat.