Norah Block ‘26
Staff Editor
In a bittersweet moment, Americans say goodbye to all giant pandas in zoos as they depart back to their native land, China. During their years in American zoos, these bears captured the hearts of millions. Pandas became a main reason for zoo attendance and brought in significant amounts of revenue all around the country. According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, the pandas’ return to China is part of a wildlife conservation project to help the growth of the population and maintain the balance in the food web and ecosystem.
Contrary to popular belief, giant pandas are not going home due to poor care and living conditions in zoos; zookeepers and staff members worked tirelessly to ensure the pandas' well-being. They’ve provided endless care and enriching environments. Although American zoos will miss their furry friends, they believe it is the right thing to send the pandas to China because the staff are committed to conservation efforts and will continue to work closely with international organizations to protect and preserve the endangered species.
Recently, pandas returning to China has become a controversial topic: some believe that pandas should stay in China, their natural habitat, while others think that pandas should be shared with the rest of the world and be in zoos internationally. Sophomore, Claire Lopez believes that “Pandas need to go back to China because it is wrong that America and other countries are taking panda’s away from their natural habitat and locking them away in cages where they could be living in the wild”. Sophomore, Jaidyn Jones takes an opposing stance: “I believe that pandas should stay in American zoos even though they’re not in their natural habitat; the artificial habitats they have in zoos are better fit for them”. Sophomore, Grant Conway has a neutral opinion on the issue. He comments, “I don't know, maybe pandas should stay in America because I just feel that they’re cool to look at and they bring more people in and more money in the economy. The more I think about it, you know I’m a little in the middle because they’re going back to their home but I’d be sad I can’t see pandas anymore”.
Though it is sad to say goodbye to giant pandas, remember the important role they are going to play in raising awareness about wildlife conservation. Their departure from America and other international zoos serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and preserve endangered animals.
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