After 23 years at the National Zoo in Washington D.C., three giant pandas have been returned to China. The pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi, were taken to the Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia on Wednesday and boarded a special flight to Chengdu, China.
Panda diplomacy, which involves sending giant pandas from China to other countries as a diplomatic tool, has been a common practice since 1941. However, since 1984, pandas have been leased instead of given as gifts.
The tradition of hosting giant pandas in American zoos for extended periods has come to an end. The National Zoo, as well as zoos in Memphis and San Diego, have already returned their pandas to China. The remaining pandas at Atlanta’s zoo are also scheduled to be returned later this month.
Millions have connected with Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cubs by visiting us in Washington, D.C., and watching our Giant Panda Cam. Although this farewell is bittersweet, we must celebrate these pandas and their impact on our understanding, care and conservation. #PandaStory pic.twitter.com/IsNssUtmjp
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) November 8, 2023
By 2024, there will be no pandas left in the United States for the first time in over 50 years, as zoos in Atlanta and Washington D.C. return their pandas to China.
The decision to return the pandas stems from a failed contract to retain them further. The Smithsonian Institution, which operates the National Zoo, typically renews its panda contracts, but this year they were unable to do so despite multiple attempts.
Controversy surrounding the treatment of a panda named Ya Ya at the Memphis Zoo last year led to its return to China. The allegations of mistreatment were denied by the zoo, but the panda was returned when the loan agreement ended without renewal. Ya Ya had spent 20 years at the Memphis Zoo.
The departure of the beloved giant pandas from the National Zoo marks the end of an era. These pandas have played a significant role in fostering relations between the United States and China, and their presence will be missed.
