All the Pandas in American Zoos Are Being Taken Back by China
- After next year, the US won’t be home to a single panda
- US holds out hope for ‘charismatic megafauna’s’ return
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Giant pandas are everywhere at Washington, DC’s National Zoo. Three live in the zoo’s $50 million Asia Trail. T-shirts, trucker hats and refrigerator magnets bear their image. A 24-hour panda-cam broadcasts the trio’s every move. Even the QR code to reserve zoo tickets features a panda silhouette.
Now, after more than 50 years, Washington’s pandas are going away — and maybe for good.