The United States is home to giant pandas, though not in the wild. These distinctive black and white bears reside in a select few zoological institutions across the country. Their presence is a result of a cooperative arrangement with China, which maintains ownership of all giant pandas globally. This program allows for research, conservation efforts, and public education about these animals.
Where to See Pandas in the United States
As of mid-2024, giant pandas can be seen at a limited number of locations in the United States. The San Diego Zoo recently welcomed Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in August 2024, marking the first new arrivals in over two decades. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., also debuted Bao Li and Qing Bao in January 2025. These arrivals follow a period where the US panda population had dwindled significantly.
Zoo Atlanta is another facility that has housed giant pandas, including Lun Lun and Yang Yang, along with their twin offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun. These zoological parks are currently the only places where the public can observe giant pandas in the US.
Understanding the Panda Loan Program
The presence of giant pandas in US zoos is governed by “panda diplomacy,” where China loans pandas to other countries. This practice evolved from China gifting pandas to other nations between 1941 and 1984. Since 1984, China has shifted to a loan-based system. These agreements are typically long-term leases, often lasting ten years, though some have been for shorter durations.
Under these agreements, US zoos pay an annual fee, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per panda. A significant portion of these funds is directed towards giant panda conservation efforts in China, including habitat protection and research. The goals of these programs include scientific collaboration, reproductive research, public education, and supporting global conservation.
The Journey of US-Born Panda Cubs
A distinctive aspect of panda loan agreements concerns offspring born in the United States. Cubs born outside of China are considered the property of China. These cubs typically return to China at a certain age to join breeding programs or contribute to reintroduction efforts into the wild.
The typical age for their return is around two to four years old, a period when they would naturally become independent from their mothers in the wild. While these births are celebrated as successes for global conservation efforts, their eventual departure helps bolster genetic diversity and the overall population within China’s conservation programs.
Changes in US Panda Population
The giant panda population in US zoos has experienced notable changes. Several loan agreements have expired, leading to the departure of pandas from various institutions. For instance, the San Diego Zoo returned its last pandas in 2019, and the Memphis Zoo’s last panda returned in April 2023. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo also saw its three pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, return to China in November 2023.
These departures have been influenced by the conclusion of contract terms and evolving conservation priorities in China. Recent developments indicate a renewed phase of panda diplomacy, with new pandas arriving in the US. Zoo Atlanta had been the sole remaining US zoo with pandas, but its four pandas are scheduled to return to China between October and December 2024. This shift suggests a dynamic and evolving landscape for giant panda presence in the United States.