Giant pandas, with their distinctive black and white markings, are widely recognized symbols of global wildlife conservation. Native to the mountainous regions of central China, their presence in institutions outside China is part of international collaborations focused on understanding and protecting the species. These partnerships ensure the survival of this once endangered, now vulnerable, animal.
The Current Number of Pandas
As of August 2025, there are four giant pandas in the United States. This number reflects recent shifts in loan agreements and new arrivals. The presence of these animals in American zoos can fluctuate.
Their Homes in the US
These four giant pandas are housed across two zoological parks. The San Diego Zoo is home to Yun Chuan (male) and Xin Bao (female), who arrived in June 2024 and publicly debuted in August 2024. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., also hosts a pair, Bao Li (male) and Qing Bao (female), expected to arrive by the end of 2024 as part of a new conservation agreement. The San Francisco Zoo has also announced future plans to receive a pair of pandas.
The Reason for Their Presence
The presence of giant pandas in the United States is primarily governed by “panda diplomacy.” This involves long-term loan agreements between China and various countries, rather than outright gifts. These agreements typically span about ten years and include substantial annual fees, often ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per pair, designated for giant panda conservation efforts in China. More than half of these funds are directed to in-situ conservation, such as habitat restoration and wildlife disease monitoring.
The arrangement is a collaborative scientific and research partnership, aiming to boost the global population of giant pandas through breeding programs and shared expertise. Any cubs born during the loan period remain the property of China and are typically returned to China by age four to integrate into breeding programs there. This framework supports the species’ recovery and serves as a diplomatic tool, fostering goodwill and international cooperation.
Their Return to China
Giant pandas in U.S. zoos are on temporary loan, and their stay concludes when their agreements expire. Their return to China is a standard part of these long-term arrangements, often facilitating participation in breeding programs. These departures align with the broader goals of international species management.
Several prominent pandas have returned to China in recent years as their loan agreements concluded. These returns, while often emotional for zoo staff and the public, are a planned part of the species’ global conservation strategy:
The San Diego Zoo’s last pandas departed in 2019.
The Memphis Zoo’s pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le, returned in April 2023.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo said goodbye to Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji in November 2023.
Zoo Atlanta’s pandas, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their American-born twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to China in October 2024.