DC pandas will be returning to China in mid-November, weeks earlier than expected
WASHINGTON — The National Zoo’s three celebrity giant pandas will be heading home a little earlier than expected. “Discussions with our Chinese partner, the China Wildlife Conservation Association, to develop a future giant panda program will likely start after the current pandas have returned to China,” zoo spokesperson Annalisa Meyer said in an email. “After 51 years of success, we remain committed to giant panda conservation.. It’s our intention to have giant pandas at the Zoo again and continue our research here and conservation work in China.” The bears have been a wildly popular attraction and an unofficial symbol of the nation’s capital for decades. The departure of the National Zoo’s bears would mean that the only giant pandas left in America are at the Atlanta Zoo — and that loan agreement expires late next year.
China is more in love with its pandas than ever. That’s complicated matters for Beijing
Discover Related
Chinese zoo admits their 'tigers' are actually painted dogs after video goes viral
New Year calendar paw stamps popular amongst netizens
Sixth annual 'My China Album' records Americans' footprints in China
Chimelong Safari Park upgrades snake venue for Year of the Snake
Chimelong Safari Park upgrades snake venue for Year of the Snake
Chimelong Safari Park upgrades snake venue for Year of the Snake
China's giant pandas in Adelaide: A symbol of friendship and cooperation
China's giant pandas in Adelaide: A symbol of friendship and cooperation
Documentary series brings wildlife conservation new 'panda-monium'
Hundreds gathered in Hong Kong for the city’s first pyrotechnics drone show
Suspects in giant panda rumor case transferred to prosecutors
More pandas expected to send to Taiwan, said Ma Ying-jeou
More pandas expected to send to Taiwan, said Ma Ying-jeou