The newest pandas in Washington, DC, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will officially be presented to the public at the Smithsonian National Zoo on Friday.
Visitors will be able to see Bao Li and Qing Bao in the habitat of the giant panda of the David M. Rubenstein family, the great complex of the zoo that derives its name from the co -founder of Carlyle Group. David Rubenstein and his family, where bears have been installed since they arrived in the country’s capital since China last year.
Rubenstein, with a value of $ 4.1 billion according to Forbes, has long been a sponsor of the Giant Panda Conservation Program of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI).
Under the program, Smithsonian scientists “work to reveal the mysteries of panda biology and behavior, gaining crucial knowledge of their nutritional needs, reproductive habits and genetic diversity,” according to the NZCBI.
Giant pandas arrive at the new Washington House, DC ZOO Via FedEx: “Precious Load”
Rubenstein’s contributions to the program have been total 22 million dollars For the past thirteen years, Smithsonian said. More recently, in September, he promised the $ 10 million friolera for work related to the zoo pandas.
This eight -figure donation, described as the “anchor gift” for Nzcbi’s $ 25 million campaign to help cover the program costs for the next decade, “Dra supporting the efforts of Smithsonian members. and China for innovate new techniques and continue researching to contribute to the health and well -being of giant pandas in human care and expand the fundamental work for the conservation of giant pandas in nature, including research on the restoration of the native habitat and the evaluation of the Impacts of climate change, “Smithsonian said in a press. Launching announcing the gift.
Conservations consider giant pandas to be a “vulnerable” species.
“The National Zoo Panda program brings joy to millions of people today, as it does the important task of understanding and preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations,” Rubenstein said in September. “I am pleased to renew my support for this consequent program, which is part of a larger campaign by Smithsonian.”
“David Rubenstein’s long -term support has transformed our giant panda program and, in turn, the future of this magnificent species and its native habitat,” said Nzcbi director Brandie Smith, and added That Rubenstein “understands that the work to save giant pandas is greater. From a person, an organization or a nation.”
The great exhibition of the National Zoo where Bao Li and Qing Bao now live is called Habitat of the Giant Panda of the David M. Rubestein family since 2011. The Zoo gave him this name “in gratitude” to a gift of 4.5 Millions of dollars offered to the giant Panda program that year, according to a press release at that time.
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Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 3, have been living in the exhibition since mid -October.
The zoo signed a 10 -year agreement with the Wild Life Conservation Association of China during the summer for “research and breeding cooperatives”, paving the way for DC to receive both bears, said the NZCBI in May. Involves an annual fee of $ 1 million for the NZCBI.
of FedEx Famous Jet Panda Express brought the pair of pandas to the US from China.
“The new giant pandas of @Nationalzoo are in DC!”, Rubenstein told X when they arrived. “Va #pandas go @orioles”.
Before Bao Li and Qing Bao are displayed on Friday, small groups “including the Zoo’s staff, volunteers, members and other interested parties have been visiting the pandas and helped them to acclimatize themselves to the views, sounds and Smells of the crowds. ” Smithsonian said earlier this month.
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The popular “giant panda” of the zoo will return for “virtual visitors” after the bears are visible to the public. This network of cameras is sponsored by Boeing.
In October, Smithsonian said he hoped to welcome “thousands” to the zoo daily.