Discover Why All Black-and-White Panda Are About to Leave the U.S.

The end of 2024 will end in sadness for those in the United States as the last of the black and white pandas will leave the U.S. and head back to China. To understand why this is happening, we need to rewind to 1972. 

The History Channel reported that in 1972, a pair of 18-month-old giant pandas were awarded to the United States. This was during President Richard Nixon’s presidential run. This gift was an act of “panda diplomacy.” According to the South China Morning Post, report on what Panada diplomacy is below.

“Giant pandas have been a symbol of China’s soft diplomacy for decades, their destinations frequently tracking major trade deals, diplomatic initiatives and favorable statements on issues like Tibet or Taiwan.” 

By the end of December 2023, the three pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao QI Ji, at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., will be returned to China. By 2024, Zoo Atlanta reports that their contracts for the twin pandas Ya Lun and Xi Lun will be up as well. 

Rachel Davis, Director of Communications at the Zoo Atlanta, reported in a press release back in April that “No discussions have yet taken place with partners in China as to the status of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program beyond the end of the loan in 2024.”

How Many Species of Panda Are There?

When we think of pandas, we probably just think of the adorable black and white pandas that we see at zoos like the Zoo Atlanta and the National Zoo in Washington D.C., as we saw above. However, this is only one of the two species there are. We will dive more into the black and white giant panda bear in the next section. For now, let’s take a look at the only other species of panda there are.

The second species of panda is called the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). These pandas are located in Asia. There are estimated to be less than 10,000 left. The red panda can weigh anywhere from 7-33 pounds, which makes it significantly smaller than the giant panda, hence its name. 

How Big Are Giant Panda Bears?

The giant panda bear (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of the genus Ailuropoda is also central to Asia. Their population issue is even more dire than the red panda. It is estimated there are fewer than 1,800 left. 

Known well by their name, “giant” panda bears, they can weigh anywhere from 240-550 pounds. The giant panda are omnivores, which means they will eat both meat and plant matter. 

They will eat things such as bamboo, fruits, and rodents. Interestingly enough, the giant panda’s diet mainly consists of bamboo! According to the World Wildlife Fund, they can eat up to 86 pounds of bamboo in a day!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Hung Chung Chih/Shutterstock.com