Giant pandas currently reside in the United States as part of an international collaboration. Their presence in American zoos is not permanent ownership but part of a long-standing conservation and research initiative with China. This arrangement allows for scientific study and public engagement with these unique animals, contributing to global efforts to protect the species. The program highlights a shared commitment to wildlife preservation.
Current Locations and Numbers
As of August 2025, two major zoological institutions in the United States currently house giant pandas. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., is home to two pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, who arrived in late 2024 and publicly debuted in January 2025. These animals continue the zoo’s long history with the species, signifying a renewed chapter in its conservation partnership.
Further west, the San Diego Zoo welcomed two new pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, in June 2024, marking the return of giant pandas to the institution after several years. This re-establishment of a panda population underscores the ongoing commitment to the species’ study and care. Another pair of pandas is also expected to arrive at the San Francisco Zoo in the near future, potentially increasing the total number of pandas in the U.S.
The Giant Panda Loan Program
Giant pandas in the United States are part of the “giant panda loan program,” often referred to as “panda diplomacy.” Since 1984, China has shifted from gifting pandas to other countries to leasing them for specific periods, typically around ten years. This shift reflects a strategic approach to international relations and conservation. Participating zoos pay an annual fee, often around $1 million per year, which China designates for its wild panda conservation efforts.
These agreements stipulate that any cubs born to the loaned pandas remain the property of China and must be returned by their fourth birthday to integrate into the Chinese breeding programs. The program’s objectives include collaborative research on panda biology, reproduction, and habitat preservation. This international cooperation contributes significantly to the understanding and protection of giant pandas.
A Look Ahead
The future outlook for giant pandas in the United States remains intertwined with these international loan agreements and broader conservation successes. Recent arrivals at the San Diego Zoo and the National Zoo indicate a renewed commitment from China to continue these partnerships, following a period where some agreements were not renewed. These ongoing collaborations are important for advancing scientific knowledge and breeding programs.
The global conservation efforts, supported by these programs, have already yielded significant results. The giant panda’s classification was updated from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List in 2016, and Chinese authorities made a similar classification in 2021. This change reflects an increase in the wild population, now estimated at over 1,800 individuals. Continued international cooperation ensures the long-term survival of this species.