Panda fans in Washington lament animals' looming return to China

Smithsonian zoo to soon close chapter on 51-year relationship

20230926N Washington Panda

A giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington eats a farewell cake on Sept. 23. (Photo by Tomoko Ashizuka)

TOMOKO ASHIZUKA, Nikkei staff writer

WASHINGTON -- The Smithsonian's National Zoo has hosted giant pandas for more than half a century. But all cute things must come to an end, at least for now.

Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji will head back to China by early December, saddening the people who come to see them at the zoo here.

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