Celebrate new giant panda pair at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo with commemorative SmarTrip card

Graphic with two giant pandas

 Metro is celebrating the return of giant pandas to Washington D.C. through a special SmarTrip card collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Customers can commemorate the public debut of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a new limited-edition SmarTrip card available at select stations beginning Jan. 22.

To purchase the commemorative card, look for specially marked fare vending machines at the following Metro stations:

  • Woodley Park/Zoo
  • Cleveland Park
  • Dupont Circle
  • Metro Center
  • L'Enfant Plaza
Zoo visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Bao Li and Qing Bao once the pair debuts on Jan. 24 are encouraged to take Metro. Visit the zoo's website to reserve a free entry pass.

This is Metro's fourth panda themed SmarTrip card or paper ticket.  The previous iconic black and white design was updated to a new, bright color illustration for the new commemorative card.

Metro's customer service team can assist customers with questions, trip planning, and more via chat, email, phone or our social media channels.  Visit wmata.com/contact for details.

Follow @wmata, @metrorailinfo and @metrobusinfo on X or @wmata.com, @metrorailinfo.bsky.social, and @metrobusinfo on Bluesky.

Customers can call 202-637-7000 (TTY 202-638-3780).  Automated information available 24/7.

For service alerts via text or email, sign up for MetroAlerts or visit www.wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information.