WASHINGTON – Panda excitement is back in the capital!

After a lengthy absence of over a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will unveil its newest giant pandas to the enthusiastic public this Friday.

Panda enthusiasts can look forward to meeting the two new bears, Bao Li and Qing Bao, and participating in a series of events to celebrate their grand entrance.

These delightful pandas arrived from China on a 10-year loan, traveling across the ocean to their new home in Washington back in November. They take the place of three previous pandas – Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji – who returned to China when their lease expired in November 2023.

For the past two months, the zoo has been preparing for the influx of visitors eager to see the new panda stars, despite the chilly weather.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Bao Li and Qing Bao:

How to Get Tickets to See the Pandas?

Admission to the National Zoo is free, and no additional tickets are necessary to enter the panda area.

Visitors wishing to see Bao Li and Qing Bao can reserve passes online at nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events. A limited number of same-day passes may also be available at the zoo entrances for those unable to access the zoo’s website.

The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Christmas (last entry is at 3 p.m.).

Once inside, panda enthusiasts will be guided to the Asia Trail and the newly updated David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, which features shallow pools, ample bamboo for foraging, and climbing structures, according to a zoo statement.

How to Reach the National Zoo?

The National Zoo is easily accessible via multiple Metrorail and bus routes and offers paid onsite parking.

Parking passes can be purchased online for $30 at nationalzoo.si.edu/events. The zoo suggests that visitors book their passes a few days in advance of their trip.

The zoo is close to two Red Line Metro stations: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park is preferred for visitors with mobility concerns as it offers a gentler incline to the zoo than Woodley Park. The L2 bus stops right in front of the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

What is the ‘District of Panda Party’?

To mark the introduction of Bao Li and Qing Bao, the zoo is hosting a “District of Panda Party,” a two-week celebration filled with activities.

Running from January 25 to February 9, the event will include various programs like a Lunar New Year celebration, a screening of “Kung Fu Panda,” and cultural events organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, as stated by the zoo.

Visitors interested in joining the festivities need only reserve their entry passes, as admission is free.

Additionally, the Smithsonian will offer limited edition merchandise to commemorate the debut of Bao Li and Qing Bao, with proceeds benefiting the National Zoo and its conservation efforts, the zoo announced.

How to Differentiate the Panda Bears

Visitors at the National Zoo may want to identify the pandas individually. Here are some distinguishing features.

Qing Bao has two unique “birthmarks” shaped like dark patches on her left hip, as noted on the National Zoo website.

Her cheeks also appear fluffier compared to Bao Li’s. When observing their faces, take note of the black eye patches; Bao Li’s fur around his eyes is broader, with sharper points that flare out more than Qing Bao’s.

Another distinguishing feature is the band of black fur across their front legs and backs. Bao Li has a wider band that narrows in the middle, while Qing Bao’s is thinner.

Their contrasting personalities may also help you tell them apart. Bao Li is known to be more outgoing, playful, and vocal. According to panda expert Mariel Lally, “If you hear a panda talking to a keeper, that’s likely Bao Li.”

In contrast, Qing Bao is described as more independent and reserved. She enjoys climbing trees and often takes small toys with her into the treetops.

Can’t Make It? Watch the ‘Giant Panda Cam’

For those unable to travel to Washington, the “Giant Panda Cam” offers a live stream that lets fans observe Qing Bao and Bao Li from afar.

This panda reality show is created using 40 cameras placed around their enclosure. These cameras are operated by trained volunteers from a centralized location and run daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. After hours, recordings will be rebroadcasted so “virtual visitors worldwide can see the pandas during their active times,” according to the zoo’s announcement.

Launched in 2011, the “Giant Panda Cam” has received over 100 million views. One of its most notable moments was when Mei Xiang gave birth to a squealing Xiao Qi Ji and lovingly cuddled her newborn.