It hasn’t been an easy year around Washington, but there were still moments that offered levity. From fun animal news to athletic victories, here are seven stories that made us smile in 2025.
The pandas met their adoring public
The year started out strong, with the National Zoo’s new giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao making their public debut in January. Despite the cold temperatures, fans waited outside the gates in anticipation, some donning panda gear in homage to the black-and-white bears. After a grueling 14 months without laying eyes on a panda, we could finally rest easy knowing DC’s most beloved residents were back in the mix.
Alexander Ovechkin smashed a record
Already considered the greatest Capitals player of all time, Ovechkin solidified his legendary status across the entire National Hockey League in April. He scored the 895th goal of his career, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record to become the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. We declared him the Greatest of All Time, aka the GOAT, bringing a baby goat for him to pose with for Washingtonian’s July cover.
Ducklings were born at Planet Word
What’s a synonym for “adorable?” The language museum drew attention in April when 10 ducklings hatched on the terrace, their emergence live-streamed via webcam. All the babies survived and were released into the water at Constitution Gardens. Having already seen Planet Word, it was an opportunity for the ducks to explore more museums along the National Mall.
Alexandria’s “fancy pigeon” found a home
In more bird news, a pigeon with feather slippers appeared at Alexandria’s Amtrak station in June, its unique appearance causing conversation. Ticket agent Octavia Scott named the bird Gregory Alexander, feeding him birdseed and building a bond. Though he evaded capture by net-wielding hunters, the intuitive pigeon allowed Scott to take him home, where he slumbers in a three-tier cage and watches Animal Planet.
The Washington Spirit were a reason to rally
The Washington Spirit gave fans something to root for until the very end of soccer season this November. For the second year in a row, the team made it to the finals, and though they didn’t clinch the title, the squad still brought a much-needed dose of, well, spirit, to a city demoralized by the recent government shutdown. Fans were excited to cheer on their team: The semifinal game at Audi Field broke the Spirit’s sellout record, with all tickets snatched up within 64 hours.
A baby elephant is on the way
The birth of a baby panda is basically a citywide holiday, but there was another pregnancy announcement this year that was cause for celebration. In November, the zoo announced Asian elephant Nhi Linh is pregnant, marking the first time an elephant would be born at the facility in almost 25 years. The calf is due at some point between mid-January and early March.
A Metro reunion offered inspiration
Growing up in DC, Sam Mencimer would board the Metrobus and ask driver Joy Kenley all about the vehicle. Kenley gave the curious kid a tour of the Northern Bus Garage, letting him fiddle with the buttons on a bus. The experience made an impact on Mencimer, who ended up working for Metro in the signal engineering department. He was able to reconnect with Kenley, now a station manager, a heartwarming reminder that small acts of kindness have the power to change lives.
The post 7 Good Things That Happened Around DC in 2025 first appeared on Washingtonian.
