Giant pandas to return to Smithsonian's National Zoo in DC

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Wednesday said it would welcome a new pair of giant pandas from China by the end of the year. 

"We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C.," Smithsonian Institute official Brandie Smith said. 

The 2-year-old black and white bears, named Qing Bao and Bao Li, are being given to the zoo through a partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The zoo also published a video announcement with first lady Jill Biden, who is planning to host a "black tie" vegetarian dinner for the bears. 

The partnership comes after the Smithsonian sent their three giant pandas back to China last year, which sparked concerns that "panda diplomacy" could be coming to an end.

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