The Panda Factories
New York TimesOct 12
New Pandas Arrive at DC National Zoo From China
Above: Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrive from China at Dulles International Airport on Oct. 15, 2024. Image copyright: Kent Nishimura/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A new pair of giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, arrived in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, ending an 11-month panda absence at the Smithsonian National Zoo.
The three-year-old pandas are part of a new 10-year agreement between the US and China, with the zoo paying $1M annually for conservation efforts. This comes after the previous US-China deal ended last year, leading some to believe China would withhold future panda visits amid rising tensions between the two nations.
The Spin
Narrative A
The return of pandas to the National Zoo is a significant boost for DC's tourism industry and cultural identity. These beloved animals were an iconic part of the city's story for decades, attracting visitors and generating excitement that benefits local businesses. Their presence also symbolizes improved diplomatic relations between the US and China.
Narrative B
These panda exchanges cause more harm to the animals than benefits, all in the name of prestige and financial boosts for the zoos. China has removed far more pandas than it has released, and keeping them in captivity lowers the likelihood of them mating and does nothing to improve their genetic diversity. It's important to consider the ethical implications of these programs.