The zoo has set Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, as the public debut of the pandas, with a public celebration of the new arrivals from Jan. 29 to Feb. 9. Zoo members will have a chance to reserve tickets for a preview between Jan. 10 and Jan. 19. Not at all, so far. But that's by design.

Within hours of three-year-old Bao Li and Qing Bao’s arrival at the National Zoo, businesses have begun planning on how to cash in on the panda-monium of D.C.’s newest – and fluffiest – neighbors. The excitement surrounding the giant pandas’ return is palpable,

The National Zoo's newest residents, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, have officially moved into their new home. Arriving via private plane and escorted by police, the pandas are now settling in, much to the delight of the crowd gathered outside the zoo that welcomed them Tuesday.