Qing Bao

Basic Profile

Qing Bao (Chinese: 青宝), also known as Mei Xin (美心), is a female giant panda born on September 12, 2021, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas. She holds the global studbook number 1375. Her mother is Jia Mei (家美), her father is Qing Qing (青青), and she has a twin brother named Qing Zai (青仔).

Naming

On March 3, 2022 — the ninth World Wildlife Day — Qing Bao and another cub Bing Bao (冰宝) were selected as spokes- pandas for the occasion through an online naming contest. Her name “青宝” combines “青” (from her father Qing Qing, and symbolizing “lucid waters and lush mountains”) with “宝” (treasure, homophone for 保 meaning protection). Together, the name conveys the message of ecological protection and biodiversity conservation.

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Life in China

Birth & Early Days

Qing Bao was born on September 12, 2021, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base. She grew up alongside her twin brother Qing Zai and other cubs of the 2021 generation.

Selection for Washington

In May 2024, the China Conservation and Research Center announced that Qing Bao (female, born September 2021) and Bao Li (宝力) (male, born August 2021) would be the next pair to continue the giant panda conservation program at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. — the first pandas to reside there since the return of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji in November 2023.

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Journey to America

Departure

On the evening of October 14, 2024, Qing Bao and Bao Li departed the Dujiangyan Base by vehicle, heading to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. On October 15, they boarded a charter flight bound for the United States, beginning a 10-year conservation research partnership.

Arrival and Quarantine

The pandas arrived in Washington D.C. on October 16, 2024. After a three-month acclimation and quarantine period at the newly renovated panda house, they prepared for their public debut.

Public Debut

On January 24, 2025, Qing Bao and Bao Li made their first public appearance at the Smithsonian National Zoo’s newly upgraded panda facility. The event marked the return of giant pandas to the nation’s capital after a brief absence.

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Life in Washington

Qing Bao is described by keepers as independent and an enthusiastic climber. She has a fluffy facial appearance and is identified by two dark patches on her left hip.

4th Birthday (September 2025)

Smithsonian National Zoo celebrated Qing Bao’s 4th birthday with a special fruit ice cake, decorated boxes with birthday wishes, and fresh bamboo. Visitors sang “Happy Birthday” as Qing Bao enthusiastically opened her gifts.

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Physical Characteristics

• Fluffy face: Distinctive fluffy facial features
• Hip markings: Two dark patches on her left hip, used for individual identification
• Build: Healthy, active juvenile female

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Conservation Significance

Qing Bao represents the renewal of the U.S.-China giant panda conservation partnership. Her arrival at the Smithsonian National Zoo, following the return of the previous pandas, demonstrates the continued collaboration between the two countries in protecting this vulnerable species.