EPISODE PREMIERES SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 8PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, NY – (January 21, 2024) – The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, a five-time Emmy® Award-winning CNN Original, returns with exclusive special access to the return of giant pandas to America, an important symbol of conservation and friendship between the United States and China. “Operation Panda” with Senior National Correspondent David Culver premieres Sunday, January 26 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.
Timed to this week’s grand reopening of the panda exhibit at Washington’s Smithsonian National Zoo, “Operation Panda” has exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the journey of Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas who became the first of their kind China has sent to Washington in 24 years. Culver reports from Dujiangyan Panda Base, where CNN was the sole US based media present to witness their departure, and he also gets an early look at how the pandas are settling into their new home in the nation’s capital.
“Returning to China for this story felt both deeply personal and profoundly unique”, said Culver. “The exclusive access – from the meticulous planning for the giant pandas’ send-off to trekking into the wild to explore the landscapes they call home – revealed a side of this journey few ever see. It’s a story that goes beyond borders, capturing the remarkable efforts, cultural ties, and raw beauty that these iconic animals inspire. I’m excited for viewers to experience these rare, unforgettable moments firsthand.”
In “Operation Panda,” Culver also explores the Sichuan Mountains of southwest China, where researchers are focused on reintroducing pandas to their natural habitat. He unearths the history of panda diplomacy starting with President Nixon in 1972 and speaks with researchers, Chinese citizens and American panda fanatics about why these animals inspire such widespread devotion around the world.
The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper is executive produced by Susan Chun.
The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps on Sunday, January 26. “Operation Panda” will also be available on demand beginning Monday, January 27 to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps, and Cable Operator Platforms. Past episodes of The Whole Story are available to stream on demand now on Max.
The Whole Story is also available as a CNN Audio showcast. Visit CNN.com/audio or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
