China will send a new set of Pandas to both the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute that are set to arrive sometime in late 2024 after a short hiatus. 

Last November, the giant pandas at the National Zoo in D.C. were sent back to China after 50 years of pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo as a form of diplomacy. Diplomacy.edu defines “Panda Diplomacy” as “the practice of the Chinese government gifting or loaning giant pandas to other countries as a symbol of friendship, goodwill, or to strengthen diplomatic relations.” With the expiration of the contract on the panda loan the pair were returned back to China, much to the dismay of many citizen’s dismay. This is echoed by an Caitlin Fee, a 9th grader who attends Briar Woods, who stated “I was heartbroken when I heard they were going to be removed, since I had visited them many times as a child”

However now China is sending two brand new giant pandas to the D.C. which has met with widespread rejoice. “I am so excited to see them again!” she added. The two pandas that are being sent are named: Bao Li (male) and Qing Bao (female). The giant pandas are a very vulnerable species with only about 1,860 left. The Smithsonian is trying to fundraise 25 million dollars to help with the preparation for the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao and as well as donations to the conservation effort. Donating would help aid their effort to move the Giant Pandas away from extinction. 

With the help of previous donations the Smithsonian has been able to help move the giant pandas from an “endangered” species to a “vulnerable” species with the hope of replenishing their population soon.