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US: Two Giant Pandas From China Arrive At Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo

Two giant pandas arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., from Chengdu, China, on Tuesday, October 15. The pandas made a stop in Anchorage, Alaska, before arriving at Dulles International Airport. Two FedEx trucks then transported them from the airport to the zoo.

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Washington National Zoo to receive two giant pandas from China by year end

STORY: Washington National Zoo to receive two giant pandas from China by year end SHOOTING TIME: May 29, 2024 DATELINE: May 30, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:00 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the event STORYLINE: The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced on Wednesday it will receive two giant panda cubs, one male and one female, from China by the end of year. According to a press release by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Bao Li, a two-year-old male panda whose name translates into English as "treasure" and "energetic," will enter the zoo later this year. He is the son of Bao Bao and the grandson of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. Bao Bao, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang all stayed in the national zoo previously, and Bao Bao was born there. Also coming later this year is Qing Bao, a two-year-old female panda. Her name means "green" and "treasure" in Mandarin Chinese. The NZCBI also announced that it has extended a cooperative research a

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-NATIONAL ZOO-PANDAS

(240529) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., May 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, speaks during a press conference at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 29, 2024. The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday it will receive two giant panda cubs, one male and one female, from China by the end of the year. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-NATIONAL ZOO-PANDAS

(240529) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., May 29, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, speaks during a press conference at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 29, 2024. The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday it will receive two giant panda cubs, one male and one female, from China by the end of the year. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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Giant pandas from U.S. heading to China, conservation collaborations hailed

STORY: Giant pandas from U.S. heading to China, conservation collaborations hailed SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 8, 2023 and Oct. 25, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:05 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of giant pandas 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BRANDIE SMITH, Director, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MICHAEL BROWN-PALSGROVE, Curator of giant pandas, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MELISSA SONGER, Conservation ecologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): WEI MING, Expert, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda STORYLINE: Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their male cub Xiao Qi Ji departed the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, now on their way back to China. Ahead of their leaving, staff from both the U.S. and China hailed the two sides' co

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Three giant pandas in U.S. head to China, national Zoo says goodbye

STORY: Three giant pandas in U.S. head to China, National Zoo says goodbye SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 8, 2023 and Oct. 25, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:29 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of giant pandas being transported and them in the U.S. earlier 2. SOUNDBITE (English): BOB LEE, Director of animal care sciences, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 3. SOUNDBITE (English): FedEX staff 4. SOUNDBITE (English): LAURIE THOMPSON, Assistant curator of giant pandas, National Zoo STORYLINE: Three giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji, left the Smithsonian's National Zoo in the U.S. on Wednesday for a flight returning to China. The panda couple's departure came after 23 years of stay at the zoo, while their baby Xiao Qi Ji was born at the zoo in 2020. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BOB LEE, Director of animal care sciences, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute "The training they do every day is to come in and go into the training area that's where

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Farewell for giant pandas brings warmth to Washington's autumn chill

STORY: Farewell for giant pandas brings warmth to Washington's autumn chill DATELINE: Oct. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 00:05:11 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Tian Tian (Sept. 23) 2. various of Mei Xiang (Sept. 23) 3. various of Xiao Qi Ji (Sept. 23) 4. various of the event on Sept. 23 5. various of the event on Sept. 30 STORYLINE: Despite the autumn chill on an early Saturday morning, Washingtonians and visitors from across the United States flocked to the Smithsonian's National Zoo in the nation's capital, seizing what would perhaps be their last chance to see the three giant pandas which are to leave for China later this year. Honoring its agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will send Xiao Qi Ji, who was born at the zoo three years ago, his mom Mei Xiang, and his dad Tian Tian back to China by early December. To celebrate the joy the pandas have brought to the American people and s

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Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji celebrates 3rd birthday at U.S. zoo

STORY: Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji celebrates 3rd birthday at U.S. zoo DATELINE: Aug. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:20 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the panda cub 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JAMIE QUICK, Visitor from Virginia Beach 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BRANDIE SMITH, Director of Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 4. various of the panda cub STORYLINE: Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji celebrated his third birthday at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on Monday. Animal care staff presented Xiao Qi Ji with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made by the zoo's nutritionists in the morning. Keepers crafted the multi-tiered cake and "3" topper using frozen diluted apple and pineapple juices and decorated the tiers with apples, sweet potatoes, carrots and bamboo sprigs. Many visitors came to the giant panda habitat early in the morning for Xiao Qi Ji's birthday celebration and sang the birthday song together as the male cub ate the cak

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Japanese giant salamander at Smithsonian

WASHINGTON, United States - A Japanese giant salamander is unveiled to media at the National Zoo's breeding facility in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington on July 22, 2010. Japanese giant salamanders, designated as a Japanese national treasure, were sent to the United States as a gift from a zoo in Hiroshima.

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"Pandaversary" underlines 50 years of successful China-U.S. collaboration on giant panda conservation

STORY: "Pandaversary" underlines 50 years of successful China-U.S. collaboration on giant panda conservation DATELINE: April 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:46 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BRANDIE SMITH, Director of Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): KIRSTEN, Resident of Washington D.C. 3. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CHAS FREEMAN, Retired U.S. diplomat 4. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BRYAN AMARAL, Senior curator of mammals, Smithsonian's National Zoo 5. Various of the event celebrating 50 years of panda conservation at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. 6. Various of the Welcome Ceremony for Giant Pandas at the National Zoo in 1972 7. Various of the event celebrating 50 years of panda conservation at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. STORYLINE: Male giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji and his mother Mei Xiang staged "eating shows" on Saturday morning as part of the "Pandaversary" party held by Smithsonian's National Zoo in t

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" enjoy an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Tourists take photos of giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Tourists take photos of giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" enjoy an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" enjoy an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Visitors practice Chinese calligraphy during an event at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on April 16, 2022 shows giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on April 16, 2022 shows giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" enjoy an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 16, 2022. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on April 16, 2022 shows giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji"(R) and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON D.C.-ZOO-GIANT PANDA-50TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION

(220417) -- WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on April 16, 2022 shows giant panda cub "Xiao Qi Ji" (L) and its mother "Mei Xiang" at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. Various events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the giant panda program of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Saturday. In 1972, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of goodwill following then-U.S. President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit. Then-Zoo Director Theodore Reed personally escorted the bears from China, and they arrived in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1972. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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Smithsonian's National Zoo kicks off celebration of giant panda program's 50th anniversary

STORY: Smithsonian's National Zoo kicks off celebration of giant panda program's 50th anniversary DATELINE: March 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:48 LOCATION: Washington, D.C. CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of visitors at the zoo 2. various of giant pandas STORYLINE: The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. Located in northwest Washington, D.C., the famed zoo announced a series of online and on-site events starting March 16 through Aug. 27 to mark "50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding, and study of giant pandas." "After 50 years, giant pandas remain an iconic species for our zoo," said Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars director, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, in a statement. At least hundreds of visitors explored the zoo's giant panda habitat around Wednesday noon. In the outdoor exhibit is the Giant Panda

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Tourists take photos of giant pandas at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 16, 2022. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows giant panda Mei Xiang at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Tourists take photos of giant pandas at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 16, 2022. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows giant pandas Mei Xiang (L) and Xiao Qi Ji at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A tourist takes photos of giant pandas at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 16, 2022. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Tourists take photos of giant pandas at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 16, 2022. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows giant panda Xiao Qi Ji at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows giant panda Mei Xiang at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Visitors look at the giant panda family tree at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 16, 2022. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO-GIANT PANDA PROGRAM-50TH ANNIVERSARY

(220316) -- WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows the giant panda family tree at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has kicked off a months-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its giant panda program. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

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Japanese giant salamander at Smithsonian

WASHINGTON, United States - A Japanese giant salamander is unveiled to media at the National Zoo's breeding facility in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington on July 22, 2010. Japanese giant salamanders, designated as a Japanese national treasure, were sent to the United States as a gift from a zoo in Hiroshima. (Kyodo)