WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — It was all black and white at the National Zoo on Friday.
Panda fans, many in festive gear, were ready to meet the two bears for the first time. They watched as Bao Li and Qing Bao climbed up trees, chowed on bamboo and meandered in their new enclosures.
“What is D.C. without pandas right? After being here for a decade now, pandas and D.C. go hand in hand,” said Crystal Laabs.
The “pandamonium” isn’t just within the zoo walls, however, but throughout the entire District.
“There’s panda pancakes down the road, panda-themed cake pops next door so it’s cool. And Duke’s did such a good job with this,” said Sarah Kate Elliott.
Duke’s Counter is cashing in with its new pop-up “The Bamboo Bar.” Bamboo lines the restaurant walls and decorates its drinks.
“Super fun. Had these super cool mugs. That was fun,” said Grayson Sims.
Duke’s managing partner Daniel Kramer knows the economic impact of his new endeavors.
“If they have drinks with us, well, maybe they’re gonna have lunch somewhere else. They’re gonna stay in the hotel. They’re going to go visit other monuments and museums and just be a part of all the things to do in D.C.,” Kramer explained.
The Chinese Embassy is going all in too. It hosted a party Friday night celebrating the Chinese New Year and D.C.’s newest, fluffiest neighbors.
It’s a moment Baked by Yael owner Yael Krigman has been waiting for.
“Everything’s panda, panda, panda. Panda cake pops, panda cookies, panda muffins, panda hats, panda everything,” Krigman said.
She’s enthusiastically welcoming visitors from near and far.
“We’re a small business so we really rely on people visiting the zoo and now with the pandas, they’re all going across the street and then coming to see us afterward or before,” Krigman said.
Visiting the pandas at the National Zoo is free, but make sure you reserve an entry pass online.
