Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao have made their long-awaited debut at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., after their arrival from China in October 2024. The pandas are part of a historic conservation partnership stemming from 'panda diplomacy', which began in 1972. Under an agreement, the pandas will remain in D.C. until 2034, with their cubs to be returned to China at age four. The zoo contributes $1 million annually to Chinese conservation efforts, ensuring ongoing research and public engagement as interest in pandas continues to grow.