WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Panda lovers now have a new way to celebrate the arrival of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao before their public debut this Friday.
Bao Li and Qing Bao first arrived in the nation’s capital on Oct. 15, 2024, nearly a year after giant pandas left the National Zoo. Now, on Friday, Jan. 24, the public will be able to see the pair for the first time since their arrival.
Ahead of the fun, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced the release of a limited-edition panda-themed SmarTrip card on Wednesday.
Metro created the colorful card, which features drawings of Bao Li and Qing Bao, in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
The cards will be available for purchase at the following Metro stations:
- Woodley Park/Zoo
- Cleveland Park
- Dupont Circle
- Metro Center
- L’Enfant Plaza
WMATA noted that this is Metro’s fourth panda-themed SmarTrip card or paper ticket; however, the new design was updated to feature colorful, bright illustrations.
To learn more about catching a glimpse of the highly anticipated panda pair, click here. Visitors can reserve a free entry pass here.
