During the pandemic, sustained periods of uncertainty and isolation echoed through our lives daily. This was particularly true for Woodley Park in Washington, D.C. Woodley Park has always been shaped by its unique place, and its unique places, including tree-lined streets and turn-of-the-century homes, the National Zoo, and the presence of giant pandas!
The pandemic robbed Woodley Park of one of its most beloved features, the Giant Pandas, who graciously paraded our many visitors through the Zoo’s entrance and exit for decades. After another long wait, Woodland Park has recovered its Giant Pandas and is reinventing itself beyond the Zoo. In a nutshell, it is not just D.C.’s “panda drought,” but also a cultural and economic renaissance occurring throughout Woodley Park because of special bears named Bao Li and Qing Bao.
From China to D.C.
Like D.C.’s Giant Pandas before them, Bao Li and Qing Bao’s journey to their new home was truly an epic adventure. The two bears travelled from China in October 2024, on a specially outfitted cargo aircraft, sponsored by FedEx and called the “Panda Express.” FedEx outfitted the aircraft with specially designed features to minimize discomfort on the long-distance flight. Once they arrived at D.C.’s National Zoo, both bears were placed in a biocontainment condition as final improvements were made to their renovated habitat.
The Asia Trail location underwent extensive renovations to accommodate the Panda Bears with climate control environments, sophisticated climbing structures, and interactive water features to challenge and stimulate their innate curiosity. Every single feature of the habitat was planned and positioned, from maintaining bamboo vegetation to ensuring sight lines allowed optimal viewing opportunities for Zoo visitors.
The launch ceremony on the 24th of January 2025, was a jubilee worthy of International diplomacy: with Zoo director Brandie Smith, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng, all addressing the significant meaning of these furry ambassadors coming to rest in a new home in valued relations between the US and China. The timing was perfect to celebrate as Lunar New Year festivities coincided with Kung Fu Panda movie screenings throughout the D.C. National Mall area and cultural troupes showcasing traditional cultural performances in celebration of the New Year and the bears coming home.
The public’s response was overwhelming. More than 14,000 passes were reserved for the opening weekend alone, with visitors traveling from across the country to witness the historic return. National media outlets covered the story extensively, but perhaps most touching were the reactions of longtime zoo visitors who shared memories of previous pandas while meeting the newcomers.
More Than Cute Faces: The Conservation Mission
The adorable pandas may simply be news, but they are so much more. They are the living proof of a partnership around conservation that has brought about much success, perhaps the largest success in modern times. The pandas began their ambassadorship of U.S.-China relations with President Nixon’s trip to China in 1972, creating a partnership, based strictly on wildlife conservation, to connect often polarized politics.
The exciting new 10-year agreement with China shows a strong financial and scientific commitment to panda conservation at approximately \$1 million annually, per bear, just to cover the costs of animal care, habitat upkeep, and veterinary care. That is a significant financial commitment. Of note, 74% of the money comes from private sources with some very unique sponsors… to include, Mars’ M&M who contributed $5 from every specially marked bag M&M sold.
- Scientific research: Advanced breeding programs and genetic studies
- Habitat conservation: Protecting bamboo forests in China’s mountain regions
- Educational outreach: 40 live-streaming cameras bringing pandas to global audiences
- Population recovery: Wild panda numbers have tripled from fewer than 1,000 to approximately 3,000
The National Zoo’s Conservation Biology Institute plays a crucial role in this global effort, conducting research that directly benefits wild pandas while educating the next generation of conservationists. The relaunch of the famous Panda Cam, now featuring 40 cameras throughout the habitat, allows millions of people worldwide to connect with these remarkable animals daily.
Economic Pawprints Across the Neighborhood
The impact of the pandas extended well beyond the zoo’s perimeter. During the time the pandas were away, zoo attendance fell 16%, from 1.9 million visitors in 2023 to 1.6 million in 2024. This effect rocked the entire business community in Woodley Park and the surrounding neighborhoods — hotel occupancy, restaurant revenues, and everything in between.
Now, the local business community is preparing for a major boom. Each hotel in the neighborhood has created a special panda package, from Lyle’s reasonably priced Panda-monium experience at $300 per night to the Conrad’s luxury $5,500 experience with private tour guides and dominated menu. These packages will appeal to the broad range of people drawn to the panda’s unique allure.
The food scene is no exception. Duke’s Counter has created a Bamboo Bar pop-up with Asian-inspired cocktails and appetizers. Baked by Yael created a whole new array of panda-themed pastries, which took off on Instagram. The Metro system even got in on the action, releasing limited version Panda SmartTrip cards as collectible souvenirs.
These pandas are a “diamond” for D.C.’s tourism industry, according to George Washington University tourism specialist Larry Yu, reflecting the fact that the National Zoo is the only institution housing giant pandas that allows free admission for the public. This fis ree means that the panda experience is available to most average families who may not otherwise fantasize about visiting expensive paid attractions.
Community Pride and Cultural Connection
Perhaps most remarkable is how deeply the pandas have embedded themselves in Woodley Park’s community identity. Local businesses have decorated their storefronts with panda imagery, creating a cohesive neighborhood theme that extends well beyond the zoo gates. FroZenYo’s manager expressed typical local sentiment, noting increased foot traffic and a palpable sense of excitement among residents and visitors alike.
Educational programs have expanded dramatically, with schools organizing special performances and family activities that connect wildlife conservation to broader environmental stewardship. These initiatives help ensure that the pandas’ impact extends beyond tourism into lasting educational value for young people who will inherit responsibility for global conservation efforts.
A Symbol of Inspiration and Community
While Bao Li and Qing Bao are at home and adjusting to their surroundings, their true legacy in Woodley Park is only just beginning. They represent something bigger than just successful conservation or economic development; they represent what connections can occur when the power of shared wonder connects communities through cultural and political boundaries.
Zoo director Brandie Smith may have put it best when she described pandas as animals who brought people together in “shared joy and purpose.” In a time filled with division, ordinary moments spent with these extraordinary animals remind us that some things are bigger than politics, and in this case, animals touch on something basic to human nature. We all react to beauty, playfulness and just the preciousness of life.
Pandas, for Woodley Park, mark not just a return to normalcy, but a new beginning of convergence of conservation, community and culture that advances the interests of all.
