Giant pandas make debut at National Zoo in Washington after 24 years

A pair of giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, made their public debut at the National Zoo in Washington on Friday. They are the first new pandas in the capital in 24 years, following the return of previous pandas to China in 2023. The pandas' arrival marks a revival of panda exchanges between the U.S. and China, which had been uncertain due to rising tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed support for these programs after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in November 2023. The National Zoo has upgraded its facilities for the pandas, who will be on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo will host events to celebrate their debut, including a Lunar New Year celebration and screenings of "Kung Fu Panda."