The United States first received a panda in 1972 as a gift from China. They did this to commemorate president Nixon’s visit to china and as a show of good faith. To the Chinese Pandas serve as symbols of friendship. Giving pandas as a gift was first started in 1941 by a Chinese diplomat. However China stopped giving pandas as gifts after 1982 and started loaning them to countries instead due to endangerment.
Every giant panda in the United States is on loan from the Chinese government. Every zoo in the United states except for the atlanta zoo’s loan will expire in December of this year. There are four pandas, two adults and two babies that will remain in the Atlanta zoo until later, sometime in 2024. The terms for these loans are usually a 10 year or 15 year loan at one million dollars per year. When the loan period ends the pandas are set to return to China and become a part of breeding and conservation.
Although some believe China is taking the Giant Pandas back as a result of the rising tensions between them and the United States. Many know that this is the result of China's commitment to conservation of the Pandas. By bringing them back home China believes that they are better fit in their natural habitat compared to the look alike environments that are very captive in zoos. However many will be disappointed they will no longer be seeing the entertaining black and white pandas at the zoo. Although, this will result in Pandas being around for many more years to come in their natural habitat.
In my opinion it is going to be sad to see the Pandas leaving the country. Even though it is better for them to be in their natural habitat so they can live longer. I wish there was a natural habitat in the United States so they could stay but the only natural habitat in the world is in China. In conclusion it is a more mature decision for China to bring back their Pandas permanently to conserve and protect them.
Questions
1. Is it better for pandas to be in there natural habitat?
2. Do you think pandas will ever come back to the United States?
3. When do you think the pandas in Atlanta will return home?
Sources:
https://time.com/6294115/south-korea-newborn-pandas-china-loan/
https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2019/01/18/why-china-rents-out-its-pandas
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190516-why-paying-for-pandas-is-not-so-black-and-white
Replies
I think it's great, yes, it may be sad for some, but animals don't ask to be in zoos and we've caused lots of problems for species because of poaching and taking them to countries to be veiwed in terrible conditions over the years. We have gotten better at keeping animals in locations, but I think it's best for them to go home. It's possible that they could return, but maybe not for a long time since I would assume China would focus on returning the panda population there before handing them out, but only time will tell.
I so agree it is definently best for them to stay in their home until their population increases to the point where they can come back on loan.
I think that this will be better for pandas because being in their environment is crucial for them. As opposed to a zoo it will be much better for the pandas. I think the pandas will come back to the U.S though.
I agree I think them going back to China will be better in the long run then them staying here in zoo's.
I think pandas need to stay in their natural habitat because that is the best. If they stay in their natural habitat they can keep the area under control so the food chain does not get messed up and then invasive animals may move in and reck the ecosystem.
I agree there area would be better kept under better control in their natural habitat.
I think that it would be better for pandas to stay in their natural habitat. Them going other places is only helpful for people to make money, but hurtful to the pandas. I hope that they can live their lives in the wild, where they belong.
I agree its better for pandas in their natural habitat and them living other places is only hurtful to them.
I like pandas, so i don't want to leave and their not gone yet so i won't worrie yet
I like pandas too! However I do worry some about if we will ever get the chance to see them come back after they leave.
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