Local philanthropist pledges $10 Million to the Smithsonian’s Giant Panda Program
Philanthropist and Baltimore native David M. Rubenstein pledged $10 Million to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) according to zoo officials on Tuesday.
Rubenstein is the co-founder of the Washington-based global investment firm, Carlyle Group, which has donated $22 million in support of NZCBI's giant panda conservation program since 2011, according to a statement. His most recent pledge was inspired by the launch of the "Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future" on Sept. 13.
"David understands the work to save giant pandas is larger than one person, one organization, or one nation. We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to preserving biodiversity," said NZCBI Director Brandie Smith in a statement.
In 2011 after a $4.5 million donation, the National Zoo named its giant panda habitat the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. The panda habitat is currently being renovated in anticipation of the return of giant pandas to the zoo expired between China and US zoos in Nov. 2023. The planned renovation includes more room for the bears and new permanent furnishings like multi-level climbing structures and shallow pools, according to a previous statement.
The zoo is expecting the arrival of in the fall of 2024. Rubenstein's donation will support efforts by the Smithsonian and Chinese partners to expand work critical to the health and welfare of giant pandas in the wild and in human care.
NZCBI announced a new 10-year cooperative giant panda research and breeding agreement on May 29 signed by the National Zoo Director the secretary general of the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). The newest residents are three-year-old giant pandas , and their arrival date has not yet been revealed by the zoo.
The two were recommended to breed based on their health, genetics and temperament.
"David Rubenstein's long-term support has transformed our giant panda program and, in turn, the future of this magnificent species and its native habitat," said National Zoo Director Brandie Smith.
The new agreement between China and the National Zoo is a joint research effort. The National Zoo, like all zoos outside of China that exhibit and care for giant pandas, will pay a $1 million annual fee to the CWCA to support the project, according to NZCBI. Federal funding will cover essential animal care expenses such as food, medicine, animal care staff and facilities maintenance while remaining funds come via support from members, donors and Zoo visitors, according to the zoo.
"The long-standing partnership between the Smithsonian and the China Wildlife Conservation Association has led to scientific breakthroughs to better understand what pandas need to thrive," said Rubenstein.
The giant pandas have been one of the zoo's biggest attractions since their arrival in 1972, drawing in an estimated 2 million visitors annually according to zoo officials. NZCBI has continued its conservation program for over five decades with their research, helping move the panda from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the global list of species at risk of extinction in 2016 according to the zoo.
