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Asia TrailNew Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail Grand Opening

Thanks to everyone who celebrated the grand opening of the new Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail.

October 13–15
To commemorate the grand opening, the Zoo and FONZ took the celebration on the road. The Zoo's Panda Motorcade visited 12 locations throughout the D.C. metro area. Giant panda costumed characters handed out limited-edition panda QuickSnap cameras, courtesy of Fujifilm, to the first 400 people at each location. People also received “Tai Shan Prize Tickets” with information about the grand-opening events on October 17 and 21. click formore

fishing catOctober 17
On the exhibits' opening day, the gates opened at the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, the gateway to Asia Trail. Then a children's parade led visitors onto the Trail to see the Zoo's wonderful new habitats for seven Asian species: giant pandas, sloth bears, clouded leopards, fishing cats, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters and Japanese giant salamanders. The first 200 visitors received commemorative flags, each featuring an animal on Asia Trail. click formore

red pandaOctober 21
At the Saturday celebration, many experts were on hand to give visitors the inside scoop on how Asia Trail came to be and what animals live there. Fun activities for children showed them what's involved in creating wonderful animal exhibits.

  • Keepers, scientists, and interpreters talked about the animals.
  • Exhibit developers shared the process of creating features for visitors, such as signs and interactive elements.
  • Other experts described Asia Trail's green elements, horticulture, outdoor pools, and behind-the-scenes details.

The first 500 visitors on October 21 received a collectible Asia Trail card at each species' exhibit. Zoo Director John Berry officially announced a new partnership agreement with United Airlines, exclusive airline sponsor of Asia Trail. The first 500 children to visit Asia Trail received a panda plush toy, courtesy of United Airlines.