WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The excitement is in the air and D.C.’s beloved giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao are back in the nation’s capital.
The two giant pandas made their debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservative Biology Institute on Jan. 24.
This means the “Giant Panda Cam” is also back in session! The zoo said the “Giant Panda Cam” features 40 cameras that are operated from a central system.
The panda cams will be live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., the camera feed will switch to a pre-recorded view of the last 12 hours giving virtual visitors around the world a chance to see Bao Li and Qing Bao.
To view the “Giant Panda Cam,” click here.
How can you tell the pandas apart?
With their unique black eye patches and round faces, pandas can look the same.
When it comes to determining the difference between Qing Bao and Bao Li, they each have subtle features that can help visitors spot the difference.
青宝 Qing Bao [ching-BOW] is a 3-year-old female giant panda, whose name means “green” and “treasure” in Mandarin Chinese. 宝力 Bao Li [BOW-lee] is a 3-year-old male giant panda, whose name means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin Chinese.
Bao Li is a little larger than Qing Bao.
Qing Bao also has a birthmark on her back.
Even though the two bears have big round faces, giant panda keeper Mariel Lally noted on the zoo’s website that Qing Bao has fluffy checks. Her eye patches are also wider with pointy tips.
When looking at their backs, they both have black bands. The bands stretch from the front of their legs and wrap to their backs. Bao Li has a thicker band that pinches in the middle.
The zoo’s website noted, that Bao Li is more outgoing and vocal with keepers. On the other hand, Qing Bao is known to be more independent and reserved.
The National Zoo said she likes to climb trees and sometimes brings her toys in the tree with her.
For more information about the panda exhibit, click here.
