They are "as iconic as the Washington Monument", the coolest things that tell the story of the preservation success and bonds between countries, and the only animals in the US capital evoking so much love that the National Zoo is now declared the "District of Panda".

Giant pandas , after a hiatus of 14 months, captivated a passionate crowd of patrons as well as officials at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute early Friday morning, as they made their public debut after arriving in mid-October.

"Bao Li and Qing Bao have won our hearts, and we're excited to welcome panda fans back to the zoo … and celebrate the newest chapter of our giant panda breeding and conservation program," Brandie Smith, director of the zoo, said at a ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit.

The panda pair, each 3 years old, officially started their 10-year stay last fall after the zoo's last panda couple returned to China in early November 2023.

Smith declared the zoo the "District of Panda," emphasizing giant pandas' integral role in Washington's culture.

The zoo will host a namesake party through Feb 9 with special events, including a Lunar New Year event, Kung Fu Panda film screenings, and cultural activities with the Chinese embassy.

Smith noted that people love giant pandas because they are cute, rare and a success story.

"Giant pandas truly represent how great conservation outcomes can be achieved through great partnerships and public support," she said, noting that the global giant panda population has nearly tripled since the China-US giant panda conservation program began decades ago, from less than 1,000 to nearly 3,000.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng jokingly said Washington DC is no longer "unbearable" with the arrival of the long-awaited bears.

The "national treasures of China" are also a shining example of the country's ecological conservation, as China has set up 67 panda reserves, with a new national park spanning three provinces, Xie said.

"American friends told me that they are simply biologically programmed to like giant pandas. Our shared love for pandas has deepened my conviction that China and the United States have much more in common than what divides us," the envoy said.

"Whenever I think of what we have achieved on panda cooperation, I will feel more confident that as long as we work together, we can make big, great things happen to the benefits of both our countries and the world," he added.

Xie was joined by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who called giant pandas a symbol of global collaboration.

Bunch, who never wanted to be known as "the secretary that lost the pandas", called the pandas the coolest thing he knows, making today a "wonderful day" for the Smithsonian, the city and the nation.

"The Smithsonian's giant pandas have been a presence in Washington for more than 50 years. In some ways, they are as iconic as the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial," Bunch said.

People love the pandas because the pandas "make us smile and they bring us together", he said.

He said it is important that the Smithsonian has worked with China to help ensure panda preservation, and that the joint work to understand the habitat, the biology and the behavior of these "amazing" animals had led to breakthroughs in helping to preserve the species.

Mayor Bowser said it was a "jubilant day" when the new panda pair hit the streets of Washington.

"Like many Washingtonians, I've always known a city of pandas, and we want to keep it that way," she said, adding that the panda pair will be "rooting for the home team" when it comes to boosting tourism in the US capital.

Helen Gonzalez, who has been a fan of several generations of giant pandas at the zoo, said she had traveled to China twice to see pandas.
"It really is a way to connect people with a whole new culture and new history," she said.

"I think people come here and they make this connection with an animal, with a culture they otherwise wouldn't see."

On Friday morning, the zoo relaunched the Giant Panda Cam, which is composed of 40 cameras operated from a central system by a corps of specially trained volunteers.

The webcams operate from 7 am to 7 pm ET, and after 7 pm, the day's recording is replayed to ensure virtual visitors around the world can view the animals at their most active.

huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com