China could be sending giant pandas to the U.S. for the first time in years, reigniting 'panda diplomacy' between the two countries.

Karen Bleier via Getty Images Other American zoos have sent pandas back to China as loan agreements lapsed amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Cue the fanfare! A new set of pandas is headed to the National Zoo later this year. Why do people love these bamboo-munching creatures so much?

However, by late 2024, U.S. zoos will be without pandas for the first time in over five decades. This is because every giant panda at every zoo in the country is on loan from the Chinese government.

However, by late 2024, U.S. zoos will be without pandas for the first time in over five decades. This is because every giant panda at every zoo in the country is on loan from the Chinese government.