Election Day Results
The Farewell Panda Tour is underway! The Smithsonian National Zoo in the heart of Washington, DC, reluctantly waved goodbye yesterday to its beloved trio of giant pandas. Embarking on a 19-hour extravaganza in the skies, the pandas, led by the venerable 26-year-old Tian Tian, his equally distinguished 25-year-old companion Mei Xiang, and their precocious 3-year-old offspring Xiao Qi Ji, soared toward Chengdu, China, in what’s now being colloquially referred to as “the Panda Express.” And no, it’s not a high-speed rail service, but a panda-centric aerial adventure!
This grand exit marks the conclusion of an era spanning over half a century, during which giant pandas graced the Smithsonian with their black-and-white charm. Cue the nostalgic photo album for a trip down memory lane!
But wait, there’s more! Before Mei Xiang and Tian Tian graced the nation’s capital, the first duo of giant pandas arrived on American soil in 1972. It was a diplomatic spectacle, with China generously bestowing the pandas as a gesture of goodwill during then-President Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking visit. Talk about a fur-clad international affair!
Fast forward to 1984, and China decided to switch things up, opting for panda leasing over gifting. Yes, you heard it right—pandas on lease! The fine print included an annual fee ranging from a cool $500K to a million bucks, because, let’s face it, pandas are VIPs. And just like that, cubs born during the leasing extravaganza became the property of China, adding a whole new twist to the concept of international custody battles.
Now, with the departure of these magnificent creatures, Zoo Atlanta stands as the lone ranger on the giant panda frontier in the US. But hold onto your bamboo sticks, folks, because even they are set to bid adieu to their monochromatic residents next year. China, it seems, is taking back its pandas, and the world of diplomatic animal exchanges continues to spin with more drama than a daytime soap opera. Bon voyage, pandas, and may your journey be as sensational as your stay in the nation’s capital!
The Farewell Panda Tour is underway!
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