Do you need a special ticket to see the giant pandas today?
Yes, an entry pass is required to enter the zoo, however, you can reserve an entry pass for free on the National Zoo website.
These individual entry passes are mandatory for all visitors (including infants), however, groups larger than 15 people will need to reserve a group ticket.
The zoo will be open from 8 am until 4 pm, with the last entry at 3 pm.
Everything you need to know about D.C.’s new giant pandas
The new giant pandas, Bao Li (pronounced BOW-lee) and Qing Bao (pronounced ching-BOW) first arrived in D.C. from China back in October 2024.
Boa Li is a male giant panda born on August 4th, 2021. He is three years old and his name roughly translates to “an active and vital power”.
Qing Boa is a female giant panda born on September 12th, 2021. She is also three years old and her name roughly translates to “green treasure”.
How can you tell the giant pandas apart?
According to the staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, there are five ways that you can tell the two giant pandas apart!
- Qing Bao has two distinctive dark ‘birthmark’ patches on the left side of her hip.
- The black patches on Bao Li’s eyes flare out wider forming tips pointing towards his cheeks.
- While both giant pandas have a black band across their upper back, the black band is much thicker on Bao Li whereas the black band across Qing Bao’s back is quite thin.
- Qing Bao is known to have puffier and fluffier cheeks than her male counterpart, Bao Li.
- Bao Li tends to be more outgoing, curious, and playful, whereas Qing Bao has been described as more independent, reserved, and an avid tree climber.
Panda-themed specials, deals, and events happening around D.C.
If you can’t make it to the zoo or want to continue the fun after you visit them, there are a few spots around town with panda-themed specials, deals, or events taking place!
The Bamboo Bar at Duke’s Counter
A few panda-themed cocktails including a bamboo mule, a panda-rita, and a ‘Bao-zy’ hot chocolate are already available at the Duke’s Counter pop-up right across from the National Zoo!
They also have a few kid-friendly ‘panda-fied’ drinks available to order, so there’s something for everyone.
Panda SmarTrip Card
Since parking will set you back $30 per vehicle, taking the metro is typically the best option for those able to take it!
To honor the special occasion of the giant pandas’ debut, WMATA is offering a panda-themed SmarTrip Card only available for a limited time at Woodley Park/Zoo, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Metro Center, and L’Enfant Plaza metro stations.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
You can get limited-edition panda-themed donuts here until January 31st!
Baked by Yael
Across the street from the National Zoo, this nut-free and kosher bakery offers panda-themed cake pops, duffins, cookies, and more!