National Zoo ‘in discussions’ to bring pandas back to D.C.

Giant pandas, which enthralled Washington residents for nearly half a century, could make a return to the National Zoo, officials indicated Thursday after the San Diego Zoo announced its own deal to bring pandas back to its facility. National Zoo director Brandie Smith said in a statement on Thursday that zoo officials are “in discussions with our Chinese partner, the China Wildlife Conservation Association, to develop a future giant panda program.”