The Smithsonian Institution says two new giant pandas are returning to Washington’s National Zoo from China by the end of the year.

The Smithsonian National Zoo announced Wednesday that giant pandas would return to Washington, D.C. After nearly six months without pandas in the zoo, China will send two panda bears to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington.

A new pair of giant pandas will arrive in Washington by the end of the year, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo announced Wednesday.

Smithsonian says 2 new giant pandas are returning to Washington's National Zoo from China by the end of the year

By the end of 2024, however, the species is set to make its triumphant return to Washington, D.C., bringing a yearlong panda drought in the nation’s capital to a close. The China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA),