The wait is almost over! After 14 months, the Giant Panda exhibit will make its return on January 24 as the two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Here’s what you need to know if you plan on seeing the pandas.
Getting to the Zoo
No matter what day you visit the zoo, you will need to reserve a free entry pass. As of publication, there are still passes available on Friday and throughout the weekend. All guests will need a pass in order to enter the grounds. You are encouraged to reserve your passes online, as there are only a limited number of same-day passes available at the gate.
After your passes are secured, your next thought is probably transportation. Guests can also reserve paid parking passes in advance for $30 per car. The National Zoo has five different parking lots available.
The other option is to take Metrorail or Metrobus. Hop on the Red Line, grab a train all to the Woodley Park/Zoo or Cleveland Park stations, then take a short walk to get to the main entrance.
Plus, when you take Metro, you can secure a cute memento along the way. Earlier this week, Metro announced it will be releasing a commemorative SmarTrip card to celebrate the return of the pandas. This is their fourth card celebrating the pandas. Starting January 22, riders can purchase the limited-edition card at the Woodley Park/Zoo, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Metro Center, and L’Enfant Plaza stations.
At the Zoo
Until March 15, the Zoo is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last entry at 3 p.m. When you head through the entrance on Connecticut Avenue, keep to the left to find entrance points to the panda exhibit.
Guests can find the exhibit by taking the Asia Trail, which has two access points: one near the entrance and one across from the Panda Plaza. The exhibit features an indoor and outdoor enclosure.
As you follow the Asia Trail, you’ll find clouded leopards, sloth bears, red pandas, and more. Guests can also visit the Bird House, which will reopen to the public along with the Asia Trail on Friday.
The celebrations will continue throughout the pandas’ first week back. On January 25 and 26, there will be screenings of Kung Fu Panda every two hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater.
The Zoo will celebrate Lunar New Year on January 29 from noon to 2 p.m. Guests of all ages can find themed activities and arts and crafts projects.
The final event will be District of Panda Day on February 1. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to dance to live music, play panda-themed trivia, and try other family-friendly activities.
Get to Know the Pandas
Even though Bao Li and Qing Bao may look similar, there are a few ways to tell them apart. According to the National Zoo, Qing Bao has two dark patches on her left hip, while Bao Li has wider eye patches and a thicker black band across his back. When it comes to their personalities, Bao Li is “outgoing, playful, and curious,” while Qing Bao is “more reserved” and “loves to climb trees.”
Panda Cam
If you’re waiting for the crowds to die down or the weather to warm up, you can still get a glimpse of these cuties. On January 24, the Panda Cam will also be back in operation. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., a group of trained volunteers will be operating the 40 upgraded cameras that make up the Panda Cam to ensure you always have the best view of Bao Li and Qing Bao.
If you access the live stream after 7 p.m., you will see a rebroadcast of the recordings from the day.
Feature image by Roshan Patel/Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
