Panda Program at the National Zoo Ends as China Seeks New Collaborations
The National Zoo bids farewell to its beloved giant pandas after 50 years, as China shifts its focus elsewhere These playful creatures captivated visitors with their bamboo munching, branch climbing, and adorable antics
The three enormous pandas playfully roam their enclosure at Washington, DC's Smithsonian National Zoo. They happily feast on bamboo shoots and leaves, expertly scale branches, and captivate onlookers with their undeniable cuteness. Visitors have the final opportunity to witness Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their youngest cub, Xiao Qi Ji, before these lovable black-and-white bears return to China on Wednesday.
Their departure signifies the conclusion of over five decades of housing Chinese pandas at the zoo, making it the inaugural US zoo to feature the bears as part of what is known as "panda diplomacy." Zoo personnel refer to it as a temporary pause in their immensely popular panda program, with Chinese authorities yet to reveal if it will be prolonged.
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The national treasures may become entangled in the ongoing diplomatic chaos between the two superpowers, as the relations between them constantly change.
As the pandas leave the National Zoo, Zoo Atlanta remains the sole US zoo featuring pandas from China, but not for much longer. The contracts for Atlanta's four bears will expire next year and there is no information about a possible extension.
It started during the Nixon presidency
In this February 21, 1972, file photo, Chinese communist party leader Mao Zedong, left, and US President Richard Nixon shake hands as they meet in Beijing.
AP
China recognizes that the adorable creatures have a crucial role in fulfilling its "significant political and diplomatic objectives," particularly in regions where it aims to expand its influence or foster stronger relationships. China emphasizes its commitment to conservation and scientific research and asserts that the American program has yielded positive outcomes. "Both parties have established a successful collaborative partnership, yielding successful outcomes and contributing positively towards the preservation of endangered species," stated Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The aim is to enhance the protection of endangered species and encourage worldwide conservation of biodiversity.
Beijing's panda diplomacy with Washington began in 1972, in the aftermath of President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking trip to China.
Chairman Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, presented the United States with two giant pandas as a gesture of improving bilateral relations following years of diplomatic tension. First Lady Pat Nixon graciously received the pandas in the nation's capital, expressing her delight that millions of visitors from around the country would have the opportunity to appreciate them each year.
Seeing the increasing popularity of pandas among Americans, China decided to send more of these adorable and charming creatures to various zoos throughout the United States. Eventually, they opted to loan the pandas instead of giving them as gifts.
On April 20, 1972, First Lady Pat Nixon extended a warm welcome to China's giant pandas at Washington's National Zoo. Assisting her was Ting-Hung, the leader of the Bureau of Public Service of the City of Peking, who had accompanied the animals on their journey to Washington. Inside the enclosure stood the male panda named Hsing-Hsing.
Changing diplomacy
Under the agreements between China and the US zoos, it is specified that Beijing is the owner of the pandas and their offspring. Additionally, the zoos are required to make payments "for the conservation of giant pandas in China." The National Zoo has been making an annual payment of $500,000, while Zoo Atlanta claims to have contributed more than $16 million since the initiation of its program in 1999.
The National Zoo has been conducting studies on the biology, behavior, breeding, reproduction, and disease of giant pandas since their arrival in 1972, as stated by the zoo. According to their website, the zoo's giant panda team collaborates closely with Chinese counterparts to enhance conservation efforts for giant pandas both in human care and in their natural habitats.
During the peak of the program, the United States housed a total of 15 pandas simultaneously. However, over the past ten years, there has been a decline in panda numbers, which aligns with the deteriorating relations between the US and China. Consequently, it is possible that American zoos might no longer have pandas in the near future. Recently, videos circulating on Chinese social media alleged mistreatment of pandas returning from the Memphis Zoo. These claims gained widespread attention, partly due to the propagation by Chinese state media.
Chinese doctors have defended the treatment of the pandas in the zoos, stating that the giant panda, known as YaYa, is afflicted with a skin disease but is generally healthy. However, there are individuals in China who perceive this situation as an embodiment of America's aggression and suppression towards China. Others point out countries like Russia, where pandas are also treated excellently, to underscore alternate examples of proper care.
By the conclusion of 2024, Xin Xin in Mexico City would be the sole remaining panda in all of the Americas, assuming China decides against sending additional giant pandas and Atlanta returns theirs next year.
CNN's David Culver, left, speaks with Fernando Gual Sill, director general of the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City.
CNN
Xin Xin, a 33-year-old panda, is currently owned by Mexico and serves as a major draw at the zoo. In anticipation of a potential increase in visitors, the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City is preparing accordingly. "For now, we invite you to come to Mexico!" exclaimed Fernando Gual Sill, the director general of the zoo. "We are fortunate to have a panda here in Mexico City, and we encourage everyone to come and see and enjoy it!"
Pandas around the world
The purpose of including pandas in China's loan program is to act as a symbol of friendship between China and the country receiving the loan. The decline of this program in the United States could suggest a change in diplomatic relations.
Last year, Qatar welcomed its inaugural panda.
In November 1999, Zoo Atlanta witnessed the playfulness of Pandas Yang Yang and Lun Lun as they enjoyed each other's company. Since then, Zoo Atlanta has been blessed with the arrival of seven giant panda cubs, all born to Yang Yang and Lun Lun, as reported by the zoo.
Currently, 23 countries, including the United States, have pandas on loan from China. However, the number of countries with pandas is decreasing. In December, Scotland will bid farewell to its two pandas as the Edinburgh Zoo is required to return them to China. The Adelaide Zoo in Australia is also facing the prospect of saying goodbye to its two pandas, as their loan period will end in a year.
The pandas departing from the United States will be sent to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where recent conservation efforts have proven to be successful. According to Zoo Atlanta, pandas are no longer classified as endangered, and their population has increased by almost 17% in the last decade.
However, the total number of giant pandas in China is still regarded as low for sustaining a viable population - currently estimated at 1,864 according to the latest census conducted in 2014. Only approximately 61% of China's pandas are protected by reserves, and their habitat is under threat due to logging practices in established forests. This logging eradicates the large tree hollows that pandas prefer to use as dens, as reported by Zoo Atlanta.
Will the pandas ever return stateside?
Staff at the National Zoo say theyre hopeful China might one day send over more giant pandas. Theyre even planning renovations for the soon-to-be vacant panda exhibit.
"We are optimistic about the future, therefore we have submitted an application that is currently under review," stated Bob Lee, the director of animal care at the National Zoo.
The construction of Zoo Atlanta's panda habitat in 1999 incurred a cost of $7 million in advance of the bears' arrival. Assuming the bears depart at the end of their contracted stay, the habitat will now be vacant. Details regarding plans for the exhibit, including a welcome sign promoting the "Giant Pandas of Chengdu" and a gift shop with a panda theme, remain unclear.
Zoo visitor Jane Mahalik, while recalling the arrival of pandas in Washington, expressed her optimism that the current first lady would make efforts to bring them back. Mahalik informed CNN that Pat Nixon played a significant role in bringing the pandas to Washington and suggested that Jill Biden should similarly strive to reinstate their presence.
CNNs Yong Xiong reported from Washington, DC, and New York; Melissa Gray reported from Atlanta; and David Culver reported from Los Angeles and Mexico City.
