Panda express: Animal lovers bid farewell to furry friends leaving DC zoo
Social Media Users Bid Farewell to Smithsonian Giant Pandas
Social media users are expressing a mix of sadness and joy as the beloved giant pandas of the Smithsonian National Zoo begin their journey back to China. Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their adorable three-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji have bid farewell to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and have arrived at Dulles International Airport. Their next stop is Chengdu, China, where they will be taken care of by the China Wildlife Conservation Society.
Goodbye Pandas, Hello Memes!
As the zoo prepares to open for the first time in 23 years with the panda exhibit remaining closed, several social media users, local governments, and journalists have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share memes, poke fun, and bid farewell to the pandas. Liz Charboneau, vice president of research at American Bridge 21st Century, posted a meme from the popular TV show Succession in response to a video showing the FedEx trucks carrying the pandas’ crates to Dulles. The post has garnered over 105,000 views and more than 1,500 likes. Noah Sadlier, communications director for Rep. John James (R-MI), even dubbed Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” over the same video.
Not missing a chance to tease Congress, the D.C. City Council posted a photo of the pandas on the district’s flag, taking a playful jab at the U.S. Congress for denying statehood to the district. “We will greatly miss the pandas. They fit in so well here in DC. After all, they had the exact same vote in Congress the other 700K of us do,” the City Council posted on X.
Martin Austermuhle, a former local Washington, D.C., reporter, came up with an amusing plan to keep the pandas in the district, suggesting that FedEx “loses” the shipment on the way to China or that an intrepid porch pirate steals the pandas back once they are delivered in China. Austermuhle’s creative ideas sparked laughter among social media users.
The End of an Era
The pandas’ stay in the U.S. was part of a partnership between the zoo’s Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement and the China Wildlife Conservation Society. Originally, the pandas were expected to stay in the U.S. for 10 years as part of a $10 million deal with China, but the agreement was extended multiple times.
Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji’s stay in the U.S. was set to expire on Dec. 7, but the zoo announced in October that they would leave sometime before Nov. 15. According to the original agreement, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian’s cubs must be returned to China when they turn 4 years old. Although Xiao Qi Ji is only 3 years old, officials decided in 2020 that it’s in the cub’s best interest to move with his parents.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What role has the Smithsonian National Zoo played in panda conservation and raising awareness about their conservation status
E, shared a meme featuring a sad-faced panda with the caption, “Me when I heard the pandas were leaving. 😭” The meme quickly gained popularity and was shared by many users, eliciting both laughter and tears.
Local governments are also joining in on the fun. The mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser, tweeted a photoshopped image of herself waving goodbye to the pandas at the airport. The tweet was accompanied by the caption, “Sad to see them go, but grateful for the memories. Safe travels, pandas! 🐼✈️” Other cities and towns across the country have followed suit, expressing their own disappointments at the pandas’ departure through creative and humorous posts.
Journalists from various media outlets have also joined the virtual farewell party. News anchors and reporters have been sharing their favorite pictures, videos, and memories of the pandas on their social media platforms. Many have thanked the pandas for bringing joy and happiness to the community during their stay at the National Zoo.
However, amidst the playful and sentimental posts, there is also a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the work done by the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Numerous users have acknowledged the zoo’s dedication to panda conservation and their efforts to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures. The panda exhibit at the zoo has played a vital role in raising awareness about the conservation status of giant pandas and the challenges they face in the wild.
While it is sad to bid farewell to Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji, their departure marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. In China, they will continue to contribute to endangered species conservation efforts and participate in the breeding program to ensure the survival of their species.
As social media users bid their final goodbyes, it is clear that the giant pandas have left a lasting impact on the hearts of many. Their playful antics, cuddly appearances, and conservation message have made them adored by people from all walks of life. Although they may no longer be physically present at the National Zoo, the memories and joy they brought will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing their presence.
In the coming days, social media will continue to buzz with posts and news about the pandas, as people eagerly follow their journey to Chengdu. As they settle into their new home, it is hoped that Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji will continue to thrive, live long healthy lives, and contribute to the conservation of their species.
Farewell, beloved pandas. Thank you for the joy, laughter, and memories. You will be missed, but your legacy will endure.
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