The National Zoo’s prominent trio of giant pandas is slated for a slightly premature return to their native land. Zoo administrative officers have revealed that Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji will be journeying back to China expectedly in mid-November.
The agreement facilitating the stay of the pandas, established by President Richard Nixon half a century ago, is due to lapse on December 7th. Attempts to extend this arrangement have so far failed to bear fruit, raising conjecture amongst China analysts. They posit that Beijing might slowly be withdrawing its pandas from Western nations, a strategic response to worsening diplomatic ties with the U.S. and other nations.
Avid fans of these appealing creatures had marked the much-anticipated December date, expected as the last opportunity to behold the endearing bears. However, the zoo nonchalantly announced that the departure will be advanced by approximately three weeks for undisclosed reasons.
“Once the incumbent pandas have embarked on their return journey to China, we will engage the China Wildlife Conservation Association, our Chinese partner, to anticipate a future giant panda scheme,” communicated Annalisa Meyer, a spokesperson for the zoo. Her optimism resonated in her words: “With a 51-year legacy of accomplishment, we are adamantly devoted to the preservation of giant pandas…our intention is both to resume our research here and to continue our conservation efforts in China with the presence of giant pandas at our Zoo.”
The pandas, a beloved attraction, have vicariously symbolized the nation’s capital for several decades. Every anniversary and birthday stirred public fanfare, while the miraculous birth of Xiao Qi Ji in the heart of the 2020 pandemic coaxed millions of digital spectators to tune into the zoo’s panda-cam.
Driven by optimism, zoo officials look forward to potential new arrangements with the Chinese government. However, the return of their pandas would signify that the only remaining pandas in the US reside at Atlanta Zoo, whose lease agreement ends late next year. This follows the return of pandas by the San Diego and Memphis zoos in 2019 and early this year, respectively.
At present, Beijing has loaned 65 pandas to 19 countries via “cooperative research programs,” explicitly aimed at safeguarding the endangered species. When they grow old, these pandas journey back to China. Furthermore, any newly born cubs in the United States are relocated to China once they reach the age between three and four.
