On Wednesday, April 26, the Memphis Zoo’s lone remaining panda began it’s journey to China. The zoo had a send off party with visitors on April 8 in anticipation of the panda’s return. This is the second time in the last five years that a US zoo has had its remaining pandas returned to China. Because of this, now is the time to see pandas in zoos in the US.
First Panda to Come to the United States
Did you know that China legally owns all the world’s pandas? It’s true! Dating back to the early 600s, the Chinese emperor would give out pandas as a gift to other countries. In the 1950s, China would gift a panda to their allies to curry favor. In 1984, China stopped gifting pandas, and instead began loaning them to other countries. Pandas given to zoos in other countries are said to be given “panda diplomacy.” All pandas must be returned by a certain date.
In 1936, the first panda came to the United States. It was brought by Ruth Harkness, an explorer. She sold it to the Brookfield Zoo. In 1938, Harkness brought another panda to the United States to be with the first. However, the first died shortly after.
Where to See Pandas in Zoos in the US
As of 2018, only four United States Zoos had giant pandas in them. Those zoos included the San Diego Zoo, Memphis Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo (Washington D.C.), and Zoo Atlanta. Of the four, San Diego was perhaps the most known for having a collection of pandas. However, the San Diego Zoo’s pandas were returned to China in 2019.
Many were surprised that China took the pandas back. Although the ‘expiration date’ for the zoo’s loan of the pandas had been known, it had been extended several times previously. The return of San Diego’s pandas prompted others to worry about the long-term availability of pandas in United States Zoos. This concern appears to be turning into reality.
On April 26, the lone remaining panda at the Memphis Zoo began a return trip to China. This means that currently, you can only see pandas in zoos in the US in Washington D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. The pandas at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. are on loan until December 7, 2023. The pandas in Atlanta are on loan through late 2024.
Will Pandas Return to Other Zoos in the United States
According to their websites, the San Diego Zoo and the Memphis Zoo are hopeful that pandas will one day be returned to them. It is unknown if this will coincide with the current loan agreements for the National Zoo and Zoo Atlanta, or if this will happen later on. In the mean time, if you want to see pandas in United States Zoos, I recommend a trip to Washington D.C. or Atlanta, Georgia!
Want to learn more about giant pandas? The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has more details here.
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