Bao Li

Basic Profile

Bao Li (Chinese: 宝力) is a male giant panda born on August 4, 2021, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. He holds the global studbook number 1365.

Family Legacy

Bao Li carries an extraordinary heritage:

• Mother: Bao Bao (宝宝) — born at Smithsonian National Zoo on August 23, 2013, returned to China in 2017
• Grandfather: Tian Tian (添添) — lived at Smithsonian National Zoo (2000-2023)
• Grandmother: Mei Xiang (美香) — lived at Smithsonian National Zoo (2000-2023)
• Siblings: Bao Yuan (宝元, brother), Dun Dun (顿顿/兰韵, sister)

This makes Bao Li the third generation of his family at the Smithsonian National Zoo — the first time a panda’s family lineage has spanned three generations at the same U.S. institution.

Early Life

Bao Li grew up at the Wolong Shenshuping Base under the care of his mother Bao Bao. Keepers described him as active and lively, enjoying interaction with his mother and climbing structures. He displayed typical energetic juvenile traits throughout his development.

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Journey to America

Selection

In May 2024, the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Smithsonian National Zoo signed a new cooperation agreement. Bao Li (male, born August 2021) and Qing Bao (female, born September 2021) were selected as the next pair to continue the conservation research partnership — the first pandas at the Smithsonian since the return of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji in November 2023.

Departure

On the evening of October 14, 2024, Bao Li and Qing Bao departed the Dujiangyan Base by vehicle. On October 15, they boarded a charter flight from Chengdu, arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport after approximately 19 hours of flight time. Upon arrival, they were transported to the Smithsonian National Zoo to begin their new life.

Quarantine and Debut

The pandas underwent at least 30 days of indoor quarantine at the zoo’s newly renovated panda house. Starting mid-December 2024, they began small-scale viewings for zoo members and volunteers to gradually acclimate to visitors.

On January 24, 2025, the Smithsonian National Zoo held an official opening ceremony for the panda house. Bao Li and Qing Bao made their first public debut, marking the return of giant pandas to the nation’s capital.

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Life in Washington

4th Birthday (August 4, 2025)

Bao Li celebrated his first birthday in the United States on August 4, 2025. The Smithsonian National Zoo prepared a special “birthday cake” for the occasion. His playful personality has made him a favorite among zoo visitors.

Personality

Bao Li is described as active, lively, and playful. He enjoys climbing and interacting with enrichment items. His energetic disposition makes him an engaging ambassador for his species.

Care & Facilities

The Smithsonian National Zoo upgraded its panda facility based on recommendations from Chinese experts, including:

• New turf and water features
• Additional climbing structures
• Enhanced bamboo and bamboo shoot supply
• A dedicated team of experienced keepers and veterinarians

Two Chinese keepers and veterinarians accompanied Bao Li to help with his transition and remained at the zoo to support the care team. Four American keepers and veterinarians had previously traveled to China for training before the pandas’ departure.

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Conservation Significance

Bao Li and Qing Bao represent a new chapter in U.S.-China panda cooperation. Their 10-year agreement (2024-2034) continues the binational partnership focused on behavioral research, reproductive biology, and conservation education. Bao Li’s unique third-generation connection to the Smithsonian makes him particularly significant — his grandparents Tian Tian and Mei Xiang spent over 20 years at the zoo, and his mother Bao Bao was born there.