Smithsonian giant pandas leave US for China
The Beloved Giant Pandas Bid Farewell to the Smithsonian National Zoo
The beloved giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., are embarking on a journey to China earlier than expected. Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their three-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji will bid farewell to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and travel aboard the FedEx Panda Express to the China Wildlife Conservation Society.
Forklifts will carefully transport each panda crate down Asia Trail and across Olmsted Walk in the zoo. During this time, the pandas will remain hidden from the public’s view, as stated in a press release obtained by the Washington Examiner.
Loaded onto the custom Boeing 777K aircraft, the FedEx Panda Express, at Dulles International Airport, the pandas will embark on a 19-hour flight from D.C. to Chengdu, China. Accompanied by animal care experts, the flight is scheduled to depart at approximately 1 p.m. Eastern time, with a brief refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.
Although the pandas won’t have the freedom to roam the cabin, they will have individual shipping carriers filled with their favorite snacks, including pears, butternut squash, leaf-eater biscuits, and sugar cane.
This departure marks the first time in over two decades that the National Zoo will be without its famous pandas. Originally, the pandas were expected to stay in the U.S. for 10 years as part of a $10 million deal with China, but the agreement was extended multiple times due to their popularity.
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji’s stay in the U.S. was set to expire on Dec. 7, but the zoo announced in October that they would leave before Nov. 15. While Xiao Qi Ji is only three years old, officials determined that it’s in the cub’s best interest to accompany his parents back to China.
A Legacy of Panda Conservation and Research
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has been home to pandas since 1972, collaborating with China to study the biology, behavior, and diseases of these magnificent creatures. In 2022, the zoo celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first arrival of giant pandas.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
How has the partnership between the National Zoo and China contributed to giant panda conservation efforts?
Oo and return to China, as part of a long-standing agreement between the United States and China.
The giant pandas have been a beloved attraction at the National Zoo for many years, capturing the hearts of visitors with their adorable appearance and playful antics. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the panda parents, arrived at the zoo in 2000 and have since become an integral part of the zoo’s conservation efforts.
The decision to send the pandas back to China was not an easy one. It was made after careful consideration and in consultation with experts from both countries. The main reason for their return is that Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are reaching the end of their reproductive years, and it is crucial for them to be able to breed in order to contribute to the preservation of their species.
Additionally, the National Zoo’s partnership with China has been instrumental in advancing giant panda conservation efforts. The collaboration has allowed for the exchange of scientific knowledge and has led to important breakthroughs in the understanding of panda behavior, reproduction, and health. By sending the pandas back to China, the National Zoo continues to strengthen this partnership, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
The farewell of the giant pandas is not only a bittersweet moment for the National Zoo but also for the millions of visitors who have been enchanted by these magnificent creatures over the years. The zoo has organized special events and programs to help the public say goodbye, giving them a chance to learn more about the pandas and the importance of their conservation.
While this farewell might be a sad occasion, it also marks an important milestone in the conservation of the giant panda species. Thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Chinese government, the giant panda population has seen a significant increase in recent years. From being listed as an endangered species, the panda is now classified as vulnerable, which is a testament to the success of conservation initiatives.
The return of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji to China does not mean the end of their story. On the contrary, it is the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Once back in China, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian will have the opportunity to live in a natural habitat and continue to contribute to the species through breeding programs. As for Xiao Qi Ji, he will have the chance to further develop his skills and interactions with other pandas of his age, ensuring the genetic diversity and strength of future generations.
The departure of the giant pandas marks a somber moment in the history of the Smithsonian National Zoo. However, it also represents a triumph for conservation efforts worldwide. The dedication and collaboration between countries are essential for the survival of endangered species, and the story of the giant pandas is a shining example of what can be achieved through these joint efforts.
As we bid farewell to Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji, let us remember the important role they have played in raising awareness about the need for wildlife conservation. Their presence at the National Zoo has inspired countless individuals to become passionate advocates for wildlife preservation. Although they may no longer be physically present, their legacy will continue to live on, reminding us of the vital importance of protecting and preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
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