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Why China is taking pandas back from the U.S.

Why China is taking pandas back from the U.S.

By ShareTricks

Oct 03 2023

The United States will have no pandas for the first time in 50 years in 2024.

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. will return its three pandas to China in December.

Zoos in Memphis, San Diego, and Atlanta have already returned or will soon return their pandas to China.

China has been loaning its pandas to countries for decades, but in recent years, it has become more strict about the terms of these loans.

One of the new requirements is that all panda cubs born in foreign zoos must be returned to China by the time they are four years old.

The return of the pandas to China is a significant event, both symbolically and practically.

Pandas are a beloved species, and their presence in zoos around the world has helped to raise awareness of conservation issues.

However, pandas are also a valuable scientific resource, and China is committed to protecting them and their habitat.

By returning the pandas to China, the country will be able to better manage their breeding and conservation programs.

It is important to note that the return of the pandas to China does not mean that the United States and China are no longer engaged in panda diplomacy.

China continues to loan pandas to other countries, and the United States has expressed interest in renewing its panda loan agreement in the future.