Photo: John Giustina / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Today, three adorable pandas currently residing at the Smithsonian National Zoo in the heart of Washington, D.C., are embarking on a journey back to their homeland in China.
As these furry ambassadors, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their playful cub, Xiao Qi Ji, take off on their adventure, it marks the conclusion of a remarkable 50-year chapter in the history of 'panda diplomacy' between the two great nations, China and the United States.
This cherished tradition, with its roots tracing all the way back to the year 1972, when then-president Nixon made his groundbreaking visit to China, is now reaching its culmination.
The only remaining pandas on American soil currently reside at the delightful Zoo Atlanta. However, there is a strong likelihood that they too will make their way back to China next year when their contract reaches its expiration.