Could America’s giant panda exodus be reversed? The Chinese president’s comments spark optimism

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The possibility of reversing America’s giant panda exodus has sparked optimism following remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Panda enthusiasts in America have been eagerly awaiting news on the return of these black and white icons to American zoos.

The situation with pandas in the United States has been challenging. Over time, the number of giant pandas in American zoos has dwindled as exchange agreements expired and were not renewed. The San Diego Zoo sent its pandas back to China in 2019, and the last panda at the Memphis, Tennessee, zoo was repatriated earlier this year. Washington’s National Zoo also recently sent its pandas to China, leaving only the pandas at the Atlanta Zoo, with their loan agreement set to expire next year. Some observers have speculated that China was gradually withdrawing its pandas from American and European zoos due to tensions with Western governments.

President Xi’s statement on panda diplomacy during a dinner with business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco has raised hopes. He referred to the pandas as “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples” and expressed readiness to continue cooperation on panda conservation with the United States, particularly hinting at California, possibly San Diego, as a potential destination for the next pair of pandas.

While his statement lacked specific details, experts and observers see it as a clear indication that the panda exchange program is likely to be renewed. Daniel Ashe, CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, finds it encouraging and eagerly anticipates the next steps. Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow at Georgetown University, views this as a victory and a signal for negotiations with American zoos to resume.

San Diego Zoo officials are hopeful about the return of giant pandas, emphasizing their commitment to conservation efforts and inspiring people worldwide to protect wildlife and the planet.

Regarding the National Zoo in Washington, it remains a strong contender due to its prominence and experience in panda care, but there has been no official word on negotiations to bring pandas back to the capital.

In China, public sentiment favors the return of pandas from America, and the Chinese state media’s stance on this matter could shift in response to Xi’s statement.

With political obstacles seemingly addressed and a green light from the highest authority, the process of bringing pandas back could move swiftly. However, the timing will also depend on the readiness of recipient zoos to accept and care for these beloved bears. The San Diego Zoo, which has been without pandas for four years, may need to make facility upgrades, and plans for renovating the National Zoo’s panda accommodations remain unclear.

In conclusion, President Xi’s statement has injected hope into the possibility of reversing the giant panda exodus from America, with many eagerly awaiting the return of these iconic animals to American zoos.

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More about Panda Diplomacy

• Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Statement
• Giant Pandas in American Zoos
• Panda Conservation Efforts
• San Diego Zoo
• National Zoo Washington, D.C.
• China-U.S. Relations
• Panda Diplomacy