National Zoo Giant Pandas

SOURCE www.npr.org
The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. bid farewell to its giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji as they returned to China. Two new adolescent pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, are expected to arrive by the end of the year. This marks the end of a decades-old connection between the U.S. and giant pandas, with China no longer renewing panda loans to U.S. zoos due to souring relations.

Key Points

  • Two new adolescent giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, are set to arrive at the National Zoo by the end of the year
  • China has stopped renewing panda loans to U.S. zoos, marking the end of a long-standing tradition
  • The panda loan agreement includes terms such as a 10-year loan period, with any cubs born belonging to China

Pros

  • Continued partnership with China for panda loans and conservation efforts
  • Expected arrival of new adolescent giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, at the National Zoo

Cons

  • End of a long-standing connection between the U.S. and giant pandas at the National Zoo
  • Deterioration of panda diplomacy due to strained U.S.-China relations