The National Zoo is well on its way to raising $25 million for its giant panda conservation program now that David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, pledged $10 million to the campaign.
In May, the zoo announced the arrival by the end of the year of the next set of giant pandas, 3-year-old Bao Li [BOW-lee] and 2-year-old Qing Bao [ching-BOW]. The hope is that based on their genetics, temperament, and health that the two will breed.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute said the funding is the anchor gift to the fund the panda program through 2035. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, an effort that raises money for all Smithsonian programs, launched last week.
Rubenstein’s money will support the innovation of new techniques and research to help the health and welfare of giant pandas by both the Smithsonian and its Chinese partners. The funding will help both pandas in human care and those in the wild. It will include research on restoring their native habitat.
“The National Zoo’s panda program brings joy to millions of people today as it does the important work of understanding and preserving these magnificent creatures for generations to come,” Rubenstein said, in a news release. He added that the long-standing partnership between the Smithsonian and the China Wildlife Conservation Association has led to scientific breakthroughs about giant pandas.
In total, Rubenstein has donated $22 million to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s giant panda program since 2011 and another $2 million to support Asian elephant research.
“David Rubenstein’s long-term support has transformed our giant panda program and, in turn, the future of this magnificent species and its native habitat,” said Brandie Smith, NZCBI’s John and Adrienne Mars director. “We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to preserving biodiversity.”
Feature image by Roshan Patel/Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
