Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are here to stay – at least until 2020.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the China Wildlife and Conservation Association have renewed their panda breeding program agreement.
Zoo Director Dennis Kelly signed the agreement yesterday, meaning that until at least December 7th, 2020, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian will live at the National Zoo while legally considered property of China.
“We know the community is fond of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian – I certainly am – so it’s great to know they will stay at the National Zoo,” Kelly said.
As part of the agreement, both of their cubs, Bao Bao and Bei Bei will be brought to China when they are four years old.
Bao Bao is two years old and will move to China sometime in 2017.
Her baby brother, Bei Bei recently learned to walk and will make his public debut in January.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: National Zoo)
