D.C.'s panda-conomy is climbing as the National Zoo debuts new bears
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The Watergate's panda package includes themed treats. Photo: Courtesy of the Watergate Hotel
A new panda pop-up bar. Luxury "zoocation" packages. D.C.'s panda-conomy is taking off as the Smithsonian National Zoo's bears debut this month.
Why it matters: Giant pandas mean big business for the city.
Driving the news: After weeks of quarantine, three-year-olds Bao Li and Qing Bao will preview for a limited number of zoo members starting Friday.
- Their public unveiling is Jan. 24.
Yes, but: Panda-monium has already begun as businesses stock up on bear-wear and create panda-themed experiences.
- Nearly 2 million people visit the Smithsonian National Zoo annually, many of whom come for the pandas.
Zoom in: Locals and tourists can climb into the Bamboo Bar starting Friday. The panda-themed pop-up takes over Duke's Counter, across from the zoo.
- Owner Daniel Kramer tells Axios they're "going all-in," from a green habitat-chic decor to panda-rita cocktails and photo-ready backdrops for the TikTok crowd.
- Expect bamboo everything, from edible garnishes to sustainable straws and bathroom TP. ("We're going top to bottom," Kramer tells Axios.)
Meanwhile, several D.C. hotels are hawking panda-themed packages.
- Take the Watergate, which offers luxe accommodations, panda-print pajamas, panda-themed treats, a panda stuffy and round trip transportation to the zoo.
- Starting price: Nearly $600 for a king room on the pandas' debut day.
Between the lines: The bears can also make a huge difference for small businesses. Baked by Yael, a Kosher and nut-free bakery by the zoo, has tripled its revenue on big bear occasions. To fuel the craze, it bakes panda pops and cookies and sells merch.
- Owner Yael Krigman tells Axios her two most profitable moments in 10 years were when the pandas recently departed, and when Bao Bao was born in 2013.
- "When they left, there was a notable decline, which is odd because there are so many animals at the zoo," Krigman tells Axios. "But they're iconic, a D.C. brand."
The big picture: Beyond zoo traffic, "panda diplomacy," an ongoing barometer of relations between China and the U.S., also boosts donations across the country.
- With the return of the bears, the Smithsonian kicked off a $25 million fundraising campaign for the panda program, with billionaire D.C. philanthropist David Rubenstein pledging $10 million last fall.
The bottom line: Business aside, the pandas are invaluable to D.C. "They're loved by everybody, which makes them unique in a polarizing time," says Kramer, who's purposely focusing on bears over that other big event coming up in January.
- "Pandas are the universal awesome."