The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., gave the public a glimpse of its two giant pandas in the playground they now call home.
Released on Christmas Day, the video showed Bao Li and Qing Bao frolicking in their enclosure and growing up through the lens.
The nearly one-minute video portrays the curiosity of the panda cubs: playing with balls, climbing on branches and trees, rolling down a hill and consuming leaves and branches.
The two giant pandas arrived at the zoo on Oct. 15 after a 19-hour journey from China.
The giant pandas are scheduled to make their public debut on Jan. 24.
The zoo is working to ramp up operations during what is, traditionally, an off-peak visitation period, in anticipation of large crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of the pandas.
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 9, the zoo will host a public celebration with a series of special events and programs, including a Lunar New Year event. No reservations are required for the public celebration.
The zoo will also relaunch the Giant Panda Cam with 40 cameras on Jan. 24. The webcams will be live from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s 163-acre park in the heart of Washington features 2,200 animals representing 400 species.
Follow #DCPandas for additional updates from zoo staff members.
Video released Christmas Day
Smithsonian National Zoo links
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Crystal Graham
