After 23 years at the Smithsonian National Zoo, Giant Pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are returning to China along with their baby, Xiao Qi Ji. The pandas were part of a research and breeding program, and their departure marks the end of an agreement between the zoo and China Wildlife and Conservation Association. The pandas will be transported to Dulles International Airport in FedEx trucks and then flown to China on a Boeing 777F aircraft. The National Zoo has had panda couples since 1972, and Mei Xiang has given birth to seven cubs during her time in D.C.

The post Giant Pandas Leaving D.C. for China after 23 years appeared first on Balanced News Summary.