Giant Pandas Arrive at the National Zoo and More Animal News for November 4

It’s National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

Happy National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! Since 1996, the Humane Society of the United States has promoted this week-long event as a way to not only acknowledge the impactful work of animal shelters across the U.S., but also to raise awareness about the work done and the cost and resources required to do so. The general public is encouraged to participate in this special week, which lasts through November 9, in various ways.

Suggested ways you can participate in this annual event are to donate to your local shelter — either money or supplies — or sign up to volunteer. Perhaps your family is ready to adopt a pet, of which there are likely many at your local shelter, so be sure to adopt, not shop. Or, if your furry family is already complete, call your local animal shelter and ask what needs they have. Ideas include pet food, blankets, towels, collars, leashes, or pet toys. And finally, perhaps the most important way to support your local shelter is to spay and neuter your pets.

Giant Pandas Have Arrived State-Side

After much anticipation, two Giant Pandas have finally arrived from China for the stay at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. (Video of their arrival below.) Since their arrival on October 15, 2024, Bao Li and Qing Bao have been settling into their new home at the zoo’s David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to prepare for the pandas’ arrival, and we’re thrilled to welcome Bao Li and Qing Bao to Washington, D.C., the only place you can see giant pandas for free in the nation,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut on January 24, 2025. Learn more at the National Zoo website.

Will Crumbl Go Cage-Free?

Crumbl, the beloved American cookie brand, is in the hot seat of late as The Humane League launched a campaign urging the fast-growing business to stop using eggs from caged hens. The non-profit recently released its 2024 Eggsposé, which calls out Crumbl for still using eggs sourced from hens raised in cages, which is largely considered inhumane conditions with space not even big enough for a hen to spread her wings. The petition invites supporters to ask Crumbl, which sells more than 1 million cookies per day nationwide, to begin sourcing its eggs from cage-free hens. Learn more about the initiative at crumblcruelty.com and read the petition here.