Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Smithsonian National Zoo Friday said giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao make their public debut Jan. 24. After their big day, the zoo will host the District of Panda Party featuring special events and programs Jan. 25-Feb. 9, including a Lunar New year event.

Male giant panda Bao Li is seen at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 9, 2025. The Smithsonian's National Zoo hosted a media preview event for Chinese media on Friday, where giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their debut before the press. (Xinhua/Deng Xianlai)

She pulled double duty as a reporter and a panda keeper, feeding and playing with Qing Bao and Bao Li, the two 3-year-old bears who arrived in October. Laurie Thompson, the zoo’