Giant Pandas at National Zoo Show Flirtatious Behavior

Bao Li and Qing Bao, two 4-year-old pandas, are exhibiting signs of growing interest in each other, raising hopes for a potential natural breeding.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:36pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of two blurred, indistinct panda forms interacting playfully in a warm, soft-focused pool of light and color, conveying the growing affection and flirtation between the zoo's giant pandas.As the National Zoo's giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao grow increasingly flirtatious, their budding connection raises hopes for a potential natural breeding that could be a first for the zoo in decades.Washington Today

Two giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., Bao Li and Qing Bao, have been spotted displaying flirtatious behavior towards each other in recent weeks. The pandas, who are located in separate enclosures but can interact through mesh screens, have started to show increased interest and activity, with Bao Li exhibiting high testosterone levels and Qing Bao becoming more vocal and seeking out Bao Li. Zookeepers are hopeful that this budding connection could lead to the pandas breeding naturally, which would be a first for the zoo in decades.

Why it matters

The National Zoo's giant panda conservation program dates back to the 1970s, and the zoo has previously relied on artificial insemination to produce cubs. A natural breeding between Bao Li and Qing Bao would be a significant milestone for the program and could provide valuable insights into the species' breeding behaviors.

The details

Bao Li and Qing Bao, both 4 years old, are located in separate enclosures at the National Zoo, but they can interact through mesh screens or 'howdy' windows. In recent weeks, the pandas have started to exhibit more flirtatious behavior, with Bao Li's testosterone levels increasing and him actively seeking out Qing Bao, while Qing Bao has become more vocal and interested in Bao Li, a shift from her previous disinterest. Zookeepers are hopeful that this growing connection could lead to the pandas breeding naturally, which would be the first time the zoo has seen this happen in decades.

  • In recent weeks, the pandas have started to exhibit more flirtatious behavior.
  • Giant pandas typically start breeding between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, with a small window each year where they could conceive a cub.

The players

Bao Li

A 4-year-old giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoo who has been exhibiting increased interest and activity, with high testosterone levels, towards his enclosure-mate Qing Bao.

Qing Bao

A 4-year-old giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoo who has become more vocal and interested in interacting with Bao Li, a shift from her previous disinterest.

Mariel Lally

A zookeeper at the Smithsonian National Zoo who oversees the giant pandas and has observed the growing flirtatious behavior between Bao Li and Qing Bao.

Smithsonian National Zoo

The Washington, D.C. zoo that has housed giant pandas as part of its conservation program since the 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of flirting going on right now.”

— Mariel Lally, Zookeeper

“Bao Li, he is amped up. His testosterone is very high and he is very active. He's scent marking a lot. He's looking for the ladies. Qing Bao has become very active. She started to look for Bao Li. She usually never wants anything to do with Bao Li, and she's been vocalizing at him.”

— Mariel Lally, Zookeeper

“We would love to be able to have a natural birth from Bao Li and Qing Bao.”

— Mariel Lally, Zookeeper

What’s next

If Bao Li and Qing Bao's flirtatious behavior continues, zookeepers may consider allowing the pandas to interact more directly, with the hope that they will breed naturally. However, the zookeepers are not rushing to arrange a playdate, as the pandas are not yet of breeding age.

The takeaway

The growing flirtation between Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian National Zoo represents a significant milestone for the zoo's long-running giant panda conservation program. A natural breeding between the two pandas would be a first for the zoo in decades and could provide valuable insights into the species' breeding behaviors.