The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. was transformed into a winter wonderland on January 6, 2025, as a heavy snowstorm blanketed the city. While the inclement weather forced the zoo’s closure, it provided a delightful spectacle for two of its newest residents: giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao. A video shared by the zoo captured the playful duo reveling in the freshly fallen snow, captivating hearts worldwide and building anticipation for their upcoming public debut.
A Panda Paradise in the Snow
Over six inches of snow fell in the D.C. area on January 6th, according to Fox 5 DC, creating a pristine white landscape for the pandas to explore. The zoo shared enchanting footage of Bao Li and Qing Bao tumbling, sliding, and somersaulting in their outdoor habitat. With flakes clinging to their fur, the pandas seemed to relish the winter wonderland, playfully grabbing handfuls of snow and rolling through the drifts.
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The heartwarming scene quickly went viral on social media, with the National Zoo’s post on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook garnering thousands of likes and shares. The zoo’s caption perfectly captured the moment: “Tumbling in a winter wonderland! This morning, about 5 inches of snow blanketed the Washington, D.C., area, including giant panda Bao Li and Qing Bao’s outdoor habitats.” They added, “Flakes stuck to their fur as the bears frolicked and somersaulted. It was paws-itively the panda snowment of our dreams!”
Meet Bao Li and Qing Bao: The Zoo’s New Stars
Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the National Zoo in October 2024, following the departure of the zoo’s previous panda residents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who returned to China in November 2023. The new panda pair have spent the past few months acclimating to their new environment behind the scenes, preparing for their highly anticipated public debut.
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This playful snow day provided a sneak peek into the pandas’ personalities, showcasing their energetic and curious nature. It also offered a welcome distraction from the winter storm that prompted the closure of the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo on January 7th. The zoo announced the closure on social media, prioritizing the safety of staff and visitors while sharing a charming photo of Bao Li enjoying the snowy bamboo in his habitat.
A Public Debut and Exclusive Preview for Zoo Members
The pandas’ frolic in the snow generated even more excitement for their official public debut, scheduled for Friday, January 24th, 2025, at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. However, zoo members will have the exclusive opportunity to preview the panda exhibit and meet Bao Li and Qing Bao between January 10th and 19th. This special access allows members to get a first glimpse of the charismatic duo before the exhibit opens to the general public. The zoo’s announcement has sparked a flurry of interest, with memberships expected to be in high demand.
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The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao marks a new chapter in the National Zoo’s renowned panda conservation program. Their playful snow day not only delighted audiences worldwide but also highlighted the importance of providing enriching environments for these beloved animals. As the pandas prepare to meet their adoring public, their snow-filled adventure serves as a heartwarming reminder of the joy and wonder that these magnificent creatures bring to the world. The National Zoo anticipates a significant increase in visitors eager to witness the charm of Bao Li and Qing Bao firsthand.
