Pandas will return to D.C.

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced on Wednesday that two giant pandas will make their way to the National Zoo in Washington D.C.

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian came to the U.S. in 2000 and were originally only supposed to stay for research for 10 years but the agreement that brough them here was extended multiple times. In 2023, the pandas became parents to their cub, Xiao Qi Ji.

The China Wildlife and Conservation Association made an agreement with the U.S. in 1972 in an effort to prevent extinction of pandas.

“It’s been a sad day, it’s been a sad week,” National Zoo Director Brandie Smith said when the giant pandas left the zoo on Nov. 8th.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced it will welcome the new pair of 2 year old giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, to the zoo by the end of the year.

“We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C.,” said Smith.

The new agreement will last until at least April 2034 and has similar provisions to the previous agreement.

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