Pandas in the Zoo: A Look Behind the Scenes

The podcast episode takes listeners on a visit to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they learn about the pandas housed there. The zoo has been caring for pandas for 50 years, and their primary goal is conservation. The pandas are on loan from China, where they are native to the wild. The zookeepers provide insights into the care and feeding of the pandas, including their diet of bamboo and other enrichment items. Training sessions with the pandas help with their medical care and overall well-being. Additionally, the podcast addresses questions about why pandas are black and white, their hibernation habits, and the role of zoos in conserving endangered species.