China to Send Pandas , to San Diego Zoo.<br />On Feb. 22, China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, said that the China Wildlife Conservation Association...<br />... has made deals regarding "a new round of international cooperation for giant panda conservation" with both the San Diego Zoo and the Madrid Zoo, NBC News reports. .<br />The resurgence of "panda diplomacy" comes as only four pandas remained in the U.S. at Zoo Atlanta. .<br />Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji left the National Zoo in November, and Ya Ya left the Memphis Zoo in April, NBC News reports. .<br />One male panda and one female panda could arrive in San Diego by the end of summer.<br />We are humbled by the potential <br />opportunity of continuing our <br />collaborative conservation efforts <br />to secure the future for giant pandas. , Megan Owen, vice president of wildlife conservation science <br />at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, via statement.<br />A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign <br />Ministry also issued a statement.<br />We look forward to further expanding <br />the results of scientific research on <br />the protection of endangered species <br />such as the giant panda.., Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via news briefing.<br />... through the new round of <br />international cooperation, <br />promoting people-to-people <br />connectivity and enhancing civilian <br />friendship with relevant countries, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, via news briefing.<br />NBC News reports that there are currently about 600 pandas in captivity around the globe and 1,800 in the wild
