AnimalsChinaChina governmentGeneral NewsGiant pandasPolitics America’s Zoos May Lose Their Pandas by Next Year’s End by Andrew Wright October 5, 2023 written by Andrew Wright October 5, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 41 Sporting a shirt adorned with the phrase “I Love Pandas,” and holding a diary covered in panda illustrations, young Kelsey Lambert was effervescent with enthusiasm as she caught sight of actual pandas. She and her mother, Alison Lambert, had made a dedicated journey from San Antonio specifically to observe the giant pandas at the National Zoo. “It was an extraordinary experience,” remarked 10-year-old Kelsey on Friday. “My mother had always assured me that we would visit them. We had to make the trip now, especially given their imminent departure.” The three giant pandas at the National Zoo—Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their young cub Xiao Qi Ji—are slated to be repatriated to China in early December. There is no public indication that the half-century-old panda loan agreement, initially brokered by President Richard Nixon, will be extended. Officials from the National Zoo have been notably reticent regarding the possibility of renewing or extending the panda agreement. Numerous inquiries seeking comments on the status of the ongoing negotiations went unanswered. Nonetheless, the zoo’s public demeanor has been decidedly gloomy, signaling that the current months could mark the culmination of an era. The zoo recently concluded a week-long festivity titled “Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell.” Table of Contents Contextual DevelopmentsThe Situation ElsewhereSenate and Public SentimentsFinancial and Diplomatic ImplicationsFinal RemarksFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Panda DiplomacyWhat is the primary reason for the potential departure of giant pandas from U.S. zoos?Who are the pandas currently residing at the National Zoo?What is the historical context of pandas in U.S. zoos?How has public sentiment influenced this situation?Have other zoos in the United States also returned their pandas?Is there hope for a resolution?What financial commitments are involved in housing pandas?What happens to cubs born in the U.S.?Are there any recent incidents that have fueled tensions?More about Panda Diplomacy Contextual Developments The potential conclusion of the National Zoo’s longstanding panda program coincides with broader geopolitical dynamics. As diplomatic tensions escalate between China and various Western countries, China seems to be incrementally recalling its pandas from Western zoos as individual agreements reach their term. Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues, termed this phenomenon as “punitive panda diplomacy.” He noted that two other U.S. zoos have already lost their pandas in recent years. Zoos in Scotland and Australia also find themselves in a similar situation, with no evidence that their loan agreements will be renewed. China currently has 65 pandas loaned to 19 countries through “cooperative research programs,” aimed at the preservation of this vulnerable species. Upon reaching old age, the pandas are returned to China, and any cubs born overseas are sent back to China at approximately three or four years of age. The Situation Elsewhere In 2019, San Diego Zoo returned its pandas, and the last panda at the Memphis, Tennessee zoo returned earlier this year. If the National Zoo’s pandas are returned, it would leave the Atlanta Zoo as the last U.S. institution hosting giant pandas, and that loan agreement is set to expire late next year. Wilder suggested that China might be “attempting to send a message” amidst a series of flashpoints between China and the U.S., ranging from U.S. sanctions on prominent Chinese citizens to suspicions regarding Chinese influence over the social media platform TikTok. Senate and Public Sentiments This panda-centric issue has even trickled into U.S. political corridors. Last week, Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman expressed concerns about China’s acquisition of American farmland, commenting, “I mean, they’re reclaiming our pandas. We should reclaim all their farmland.” In China, there has been a corresponding surge in anti-American sentiments, fueled further by the sudden death of Le Le, a panda on loan to the Memphis Zoo, earlier this year. Social media platforms like Weibo erupted with accusations that the zoo had mistreated the animal. Financial and Diplomatic Implications The Chinese government leases pandas to the U.S. for a typical 10-year term, renewable, at an annual fee ranging from $1 million to $2 million per pair. This does not include mandatory construction and maintenance costs for housing the animals. Final Remarks Daniel Ashe, the former head of the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, highlighted that the situation now is fundamentally different from the past. “What we’re witnessing is heightened governmental tensions that need to be addressed at that level,” he said. While hopes remain for an eleventh-hour resolution, for now, fans of pandas are flocking to Washington for a final look. Alison Lambert remains hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement can still be reached. If not, her daughter Kelsey has a fallback plan: “We can always go to China,” she said. Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News writers Seth Borenstein and Rebecca Santana. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Panda Diplomacy What is the primary reason for the potential departure of giant pandas from U.S. zoos? The primary reason cited is diplomatic tensions between the United States and China. The article suggests that China is pulling back its pandas from multiple Western zoos as their loan agreements expire, a trend labeled as “punitive panda diplomacy.” Who are the pandas currently residing at the National Zoo? The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., currently houses three giant pandas: Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji. These pandas are set to return to China in early December. What is the historical context of pandas in U.S. zoos? Pandas have been in U.S. zoos for approximately 50 years, initially starting with a gift pair from China. The loan agreements for these pandas have often been renewable 10-year terms. China now leases out pandas for an annual fee, which ranges from $1 million to $2 million per pair. How has public sentiment influenced this situation? Public sentiment has played a significant role on both sides. In the U.S., visitors are making special trips to see the pandas before they possibly depart. In China, there has been a surge of anti-American sentiment, particularly on social media platforms, calling for the return of pandas loaned to foreign zoos. Have other zoos in the United States also returned their pandas? Yes, the San Diego Zoo returned its pandas in 2019, and the last bear at the Memphis Zoo went home earlier this year. If the National Zoo’s pandas depart, the only giant pandas remaining in the U.S. will be at the Atlanta Zoo. Is there hope for a resolution? Observers suggest that high-level intervention might provide a resolution. For instance, the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit could be a potential forum for discussions between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. What financial commitments are involved in housing pandas? U.S. zoos are required to pay an annual fee ranging from $1 million to $2 million per pair of pandas. Additionally, they must build and maintain proper facilities for the animals. What happens to cubs born in the U.S.? Any cubs born to pandas in the U.S. belong to the Chinese government. They can be leased until they reach mating age, after which they are sent to China. Are there any recent incidents that have fueled tensions? Yes, the unexpected death of a male panda named Le Le in the Memphis Zoo earlier this year has fueled tensions. Photos and allegations of mistreatment surfaced on Chinese social media, although an official Chinese scientific delegation concluded that Le Le died of natural causes. More about Panda Diplomacy U.S.-China Relations and Diplomacy History of Pandas in U.S. Zoos Diplomatic Impacts of Panda Diplomacy Public Sentiment in China Toward U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit Pandas and International Relations Financial Aspects of Panda Leasing Social Media’s Role in Panda Diplomacy You Might Be Interested In Russian mercenary chief says his forces are rebelling, some left Ukraine and entered Russia city Seeking parole, Pistorius meets with girlfriend’s father US-Arab Cease-Fire Stance Clashes Amid Israeli Offensive in Gaza Impending State Elections in Germany Foreseen to Favor Conservative Opposition 300-year-old painting stolen by an American soldier during World War II returned to German museum Extremely rare white alligator is born at a Florida reptile park AnimalsChinaChina governmentdiplomacyGeneral NewsGiant pandasPublic SentimentU.S.-China RelationsZoos Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. 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