WASHINGTON — Curious how the giant pandas are adjusting to life in the nation's capital? Well, new video from the Smithsonian National Zoo show the pandas are on quite a roll.
On Friday, video footage showing the pandas playing with enrichment toys was released to the public, garnering excitement for their eventual debut and giving us a sneak peek into their playful personalities. These toys aren’t just for fun; they help the pandas stay curious, active, and engaged, all while encouraging their natural behaviors. And from the looks of it, Bao Li and Qing Bao are loving it!
Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao can be seen playing with the toys from a camera located inside their enclosure and rolling all over the place.
According to zoo officials, Qing Bao's favorite toy is pearl balls strung together with a woven yacht rope. And most recently, she has been carrying this toy into the trees and rolling down the hill with it between her paws.
Now Bao Li, well he prefers toys like the one where keepers hide hay and pieces of food inside. To get the food out of the puzzle feeder, he must shake or roll the feeder around the yard using his problem-solving skills.
Officials remind zoo members that before these pandas make their official debut to the public, they can help them get acclimated during a special preview on Jan. 10 through Jan. 19. It’s your chance to see the pandas in action up close. Reservations open in mid-December, so be sure to mark your calendars.
Visit https://nationalzoo.si.edu/membership for more information.
