If you want to see the National Zoo's three giant pandas before they head back to China, you better hurry, 'cause they're only here for a little while longer. To give you the time to bid farewell, the zoo is offering 9 days in an event they're calling "Panda Palozza."

From September 23 to October 1, come to the National Zoo and enjoy various activities to wish Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji well on their journey home.

In addition, vendors will be selling panda-themed drinks, the theater will run free screenings of Kung Fu Panda, and the zoo’s mainstage will feature various musical performances. Plus, get panda-themed temporary tattoos, participate in a scavenger hunt, and take your picture in front of panda-themed backdrops.

“Although this farewell is bittersweet, we must celebrate these bears and their impact on fans and on our understanding, care, and conservation of their species,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Zoo’s Conservation Biology Institute.

No extra ticket, beyond a free entry ticket to the zoo, is required to attend.

According to the zoo, it’s still unclear if we'll expect more pandas to replace Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji. However, they’re hopeful they might be able to develop a new giant panda program with China, but no such agreement has been reached ... yet.

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Kristina Shriver
Associate Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.
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