.         With heavy hearts, the National Zoo in D.C. said goodbye to its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji, on November 8, 2023. Don’t worry though, recent statements from China’s president, Xi Jinping, indicate that new pandas could be coming to America soon. 

.         “We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and… deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples,” President Xi stated in a speech on November 15, 2023

.         In the modern context, China has been gifting pandas to other countries since the 1950s, but the US did not receive its first panda until 1972, closely following President Nixon’s trip to China to cement positive Sino-American relations. Despite current political tensions between the two countries over trade, panda diplomacy has continued to serve as a constant sign of peace.

.         The National Zoo became the home of Hsing-Hsing (male) and Ling-Ling (female) as part of a research and breeding program made with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The pandas spent the rest of their lives in America, with Ling-Ling dying 20 years later at the age of 23. Although the pair failed to produce a surviving cub, the research gained over the duration of the program paved the way for panda conservation efforts and care around the world. 

.         As sad as it was to say goodbye, it is a comfort to know that through the combined efforts of China and America, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, Xiao Qi Ji, and thousands of wild pandas will continue to live happily and healthily for years to come.