A fresh snowfall can turn any ordinary morning into a playground, and that was exactly the vibe at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington. While the city dealt with a winter storm, the zoo closed to visitors starting Sunday, leaving the grounds quiet except for the animals. That calm set the stage for a small burst of joy that quickly made its way online. Two giant pandas became the unexpected stars of the storm.
The pandas, Qing Bao and Bao Li, were captured on surveillance footage bounding through the white powder and rolling around like they had been waiting for this moment all year. Instead of avoiding the cold, they leaned into it, tumbling and pawing at the snow with the kind of enthusiasm that is hard to fake. Those clips spread fast across the internet, in part because the scene felt so pure and uncomplicated. Watching an animal respond to a new texture and temperature is a reminder that curiosity is not just a human trait.
The pandas were not the only residents to take advantage of the wintry conditions. Zoo staff said several other animals also explored the snow and treated it like enrichment rather than inconvenience. Among the standouts were kunekune pigs, a smaller breed that got in on the frosty fun alongside bigger and more unexpected participants. A sea lion and a red wolf were also mentioned as animals that played and investigated their snow covered habitats.
Caretakers emphasized that the storm changed the visitor experience but did not pause the animals’ routines. As they put it, “Snow kept visitors away, but many animals explored the winter conditions.” That message framed the day less as a disruption and more as a different kind of opportunity for the zoo’s residents. The point was simple, the people stayed home, and the animals got extra space and quiet to roam. You can watch video here.
Even when animals look thrilled by snow, responsible facilities plan for comfort and safety. The zoo said every animal had access to indoor areas, so they could move into warmth whenever they chose. That detail matters because winter weather can be stimulating in short bursts but stressful if animals cannot self regulate. With indoor shelters available, the snow becomes a choice instead of an endurance test. It is a reminder that good animal care often looks like providing options rather than forcing a single setting.
It is also worth noting why snow scenes like this resonate so strongly with viewers. For many people, pandas already symbolize gentleness and playfulness, so seeing them roll around in fresh snow feels like a perfect match. There is also a behind the scenes appeal, since surveillance style footage makes the moment seem candid and unplanned. When a zoo is closed, the animals feel like they are truly off the clock, even if staff are still working. That contrast between a shut gate and a lively habitat is part of what makes the clips so satisfying.
Giant pandas are native to China and are known for spending a huge portion of their day eating bamboo. They have thick fur and a layer of fat that helps them handle cooler temperatures, and in the wild they can live in mountainous regions where winters are real. Snow can act as environmental enrichment by changing scents, textures, and the way animals move through a space. Rolling, digging, and sliding are not just cute behaviors, they can be ways to explore and engage with a shifting environment. For animals in managed care, those naturalistic challenges can support physical activity and mental stimulation.
The same principle applies to other species mentioned by the zoo team. Pigs, canids like wolves, and marine mammals like sea lions all respond to weather in their own ways, and novelty can encourage exploration. For a red wolf, snow can alter scent trails and make patrol behavior more interesting. For pigs, it can become a material to push around and root through. For a sea lion, the contrast between cold air and water can create a different sensory routine, as long as the animal can choose when to be where.
Moments like this also highlight how modern zoos increasingly talk about animal welfare in terms of agency. The ability to step inside, stay outside, or move between areas lets an animal decide what is comfortable. It is the same logic behind rotating toys, changing feeding puzzles, and varying habitat features, all designed to keep daily life from becoming predictable. A surprise snowfall is one of the few enrichments that arrives without anyone scheduling it. When it happens, the best facilities are ready to let animals enjoy it safely.
If you have ever wondered why panda videos spread so quickly, this is the formula. The animals are charismatic, the behavior is easy to read as joy, and the setting feels seasonal and relatable. Add the fact that the zoo was closed and the footage looks like a private glimpse, and it becomes irresistible. Qing Bao and Bao Li simply did what pandas do when something feels fun, and the internet did what it always does when something feels wholesome.
What did you think of Qing Bao and Bao Li turning Washington’s snowfall into a full on winter play session, and which animal would you most want to see reacting to snow next in the comments?
