The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is eagerly anticipating the arrival of two new giant pandas on Tuesday. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, are traveling from China and are scheduled to land at Dulles International Airport on a custom-decaled Panda Express Boeing 777F. Their provisions for the journey include corn bread, bamboo, carrots, water, and medicine. Once they arrive, the pandas will undergo an extended quarantine and acclimation period before being introduced to the public.
The new pandas are part of a 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities, which brings reassurance to American panda enthusiasts worried about the expiration of the previous deal. The Zoo announced that it will be closed on October 15 for the safety of the pandas and staff during their arrival and acclimation process. The excitement is palpable, with the Zoo hinting at something “giant” coming to Washington, D.C. via the FedEx Panda Express.
After the departure of the beloved Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao is highly anticipated. The pandas are expected to bring joy and excitement to visitors of the National Zoo once they are introduced to the public. The Zoo’s staff is eagerly awaiting the new additions and is dedicated to providing the best care possible for these beautiful creatures.
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