Giant pandas to debut at National Zoo in Washington: Here's how to plan your visit

WASHINGTON – Panda-monium has returned to the nation's capital.

After more than a year without their popular giant pandas, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is set to debut its two latest black-and-white bears to the enamored masses on Friday.

Panda fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the newcomers, Bao Li and Qing Bao, and enjoy a slate of festivities planned to commemorate the bears' public unveiling.

On a 10-year loan from China, the pair took the transpacific flight to Washington in November and have since settled into their new home. They replaced three bears – Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji – who returned to China at the expiration of their lease in November 2023.

For the last two months, the zoo has been gearing up for the thousands of people they expect to brave the cold to gaze at the newest panda ambassadors.

Here's what you need to know before visiting Bao Li and Qing Bao:

How do I get a ticket to see the pandas?

Entry into the National Zoo is free and no additional tickets are required to enter the panda habitat.

Those wishing to see Bao Li and Qing Bao can secure passes online at nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events. A limited number of same-day passes may be offered at the entrances for those without access to the zoo's website.

The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, is open every day except Christmas from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admittance into the park is at 3 p.m.).

Once inside, panda-seeking guests will be directed to the Asia Trail and David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, which has been renovated with shallow pools, bamboo stands for foraging and multilevel climbing structures, the zoo said in a statement.

How do I get to the National Zoo?

The National Zoo is conveniently located near several Metrorail and bus stops and offers paid parking on-site.

Parking passes can be purchased online for $30 at nationalzoo.si.edu/events. The zoo recommends parties reserve their passes a few days before their visit.

The zoo is located near two Red Line Metro stations, Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park. The latter station is recommended for those with mobility issues as it's not as uphill from the zoo as the Woodley Park stop. The L2 bus stops in front of the facility's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

What is the 'District of Panda Party'?

To commemorate Bao Li and Qing Bao's debut, the zoo is hosting two weeks of celebrations and special events it has dubbed the "District of Panda Party."

The festivities, which will run from Jan. 25 to Feb. 9, include a host of events and programs, including a Lunar New Year event, a film screening of "King Fu Panda" and a slate of cultural activities put on by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the zoo has said in a statement.

Those wishing to attend the multiday celebration need only reserve park entry passes (again, entrance tickets are free).

Along with the festivities, the Smithsonian is selling limited edition merchandise commemorating the debut of Bao Li and Qing Bao. The proceeds will go to support the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s animal care and conservation programs, the zoo said in a statement.

How to tell the panda bears apart

Gazing at the pandas, visitors at the National Zoo may wish to discern who is who. Here are some things to look out for.

Qing Bao has two distinctive “birthmarks” on her backside, which appear as dark patches on her left hip, according to the National Zoo website.

Qing Bao's cheeks are also fluffier than Bao Li's. And while you're looking at their adorable faces, pay attention to their black eye patches. The blotch of black fur around Bao Li's eyes is wider, with pointy tips that flare out more than Qing Bao's.

Another clue lies in the band of black fur that runs across their front legs and their backs. Bao Li's band is thicker than Qing Bao's and it pinches in the middle.

Their distinctive personalities are another likely giveaway. Bao Li has gained a reputation among zookeepers as the more outgoing, playful and vocal of the two bears. Panda expert Mariel Lally in an interview for the zoo's website said, "If you hear a panda vocalizing to a keeper, that’s probably Bao Li."

Qing Bao is more independent and reserved, according to zoo staff. She enjoys climbing trees, often bringing small toys with her into the canopy.

Outside of Washington? Tune in to the 'Giant Panda Cam'

Those who can't make the trip to Washington can still watch the young bears via the "Giant Panda Cam," a live broadcast designed to give enthusiasts a look at what Qing Bao and Bao Li are up to on any given day.

The panda reality show of sorts is pulled together from 40 cameras placed throughout their enclosures. The cameras will be operated by trained volunteers from a central system and run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Once the day is over, the recordings will be rebroadcast so "virtual visitors around the world can view the animals when they are most active," the zoo said in a statement.

The "Giant Panda Cam" launched in 2011 and has garnered more than 100 million page views. One of the first major highlights showed the moment Mei Xiang birthed a squealing Xiao Qi Ji and cradled her newborn cub.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giant pandas debut at National Zoo: How to see beloved bears in person