WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., announced Wednesday that it will receive two giant panda cubs, one male and one female, from China by the end of the year.
According to a press release by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Bao Li, a two-year-old male panda whose name translates into English as "treasure" and "energetic," will enter the zoo later this year. He is the son of Bao and the grandson of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang.
Bao, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang all previously stayed at the national zoo, and Bao was born there.
Also coming later this year is Qing Bao, a two-year-old female panda. Her name means "green" and "treasure" in Mandarin Chinese.
The NZCBI also announced that it has extended a cooperative research and breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Now effective through April 2034, the agreement will see the United States and China continue their cooperation in conserving the giant panda species.
"We're thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C.," said Brandie Smith, NZCBI's John and Adrienne Mars Director.
"This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact. Through this partnership, we have grown the panda population, advanced our shared understanding of how to care for this beloved bear and learned what's needed to protect wild pandas and preserve native habitat," Smith said. ■