The San Diego Zoo sent its pandas home in 2019 and the last bear at the Memphis, Tennessee, zoo went home earlier this year.
Whatever the reason, San Diego Zoo officials were hopeful.
"It is a moment with some heartbreak in it,” National Zoo Director Brandie Smith said at the time.
The San Diego Zoo has been panda-less for four years and may need to upgrade or refurbish its facilities.
The National Zoo had announced plans to renovate its panda house and outdoor enclosure, but the timing on those plans is unclear.
Persons:
—, Xi Jinping, Xi, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, Xiao Qi Ji —, ”, Daniel Ashe, ” Dennis Wilder, ” Wilder, Wilder, Gavin Newsom's, Xi’s, Paul A, Baribault, Ling, Hsing, Brandie Smith, Le Le, Didi Tang, Amy Taxin
Organizations:
WASHINGTON, San Diego Zoo, National Zoo, Atlanta Zoo, Veteran, Economic Cooperation, Association of Zoos, Aquariums, Georgetown University’s Initiative, U.S, California Gov, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, “, Zoo, Associated Press
Locations:
America, California, San Diego, U.S, Memphis , Tennessee, China, Veteran China, People's Republic, Asia, San Francisco, United States, Washington, Memphis, Santa Ana , California