Nothing has influenced Frances Nguyen’s life more than pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. It all started in 2006 and what made her connection with Pandas stronger was when she saw a mother panda care for her newborn cub on the zoo’s “Giant Panda. Memories of separation from her parents during the Vietnam War flashed in front of her.Nguyen said, she has been caught in a kind of loving bear trap.
She started her career in photography by purchasing a professional camera to capture pictures of pandas.She even founded a conservation group called “Pandas Unlimited,” which led her to form lasting friendships. Pandas even acted as matchmaker for her as she met her husband who joined the group which she founded.They married two years later and went on to have two kids and she named both of them after the bears that brought them together.
Nyugen is eager to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao, the newest pandas sent by China as part of its long-running “panda diplomacy” program.The 3 year old pandas arrived in Washington in October from China.
Their official debut on Friday highlights US-China diplomacy and their images are sold on T-shirts,public transit cards, and murals.
Liz Charboneau,a zoo visitor and Washington resident said ”They’re something everyone in D.C. can agree on loving.” “They are a bright spot for the society”.
People were happy and excited to see Pandas.Ahead of the public debut, some museum members had a chance to see them early.Nguyen also got an early look.To her, it was like connecting with old friends – especially since one of the pandas has deep ties to Washington.