Three giant pandas boarded a 19-hour flight to China today over fifty years after their species first arrived in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian National Zoo. This is a move that some experts are saying is the end of “panda diplomacy” as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to grow.
“Panda Express” FedEx B777-FS2 plane (N886FD), that is carrying the 3 beloved DC pandas has taken off from the Dulles Airport (IAD) for the 19 hour journey to China.
It's the first time in 23 years the panda exhibit at the National Zoo is empty.
