Smithsonian National Zoo in U.S. says goodbye to three giant pandas

A giant farewell celebration was held at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Visitors gathered to say goodbye to giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their 3-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji, who are returning to China in this December. 　

The week-long event "Panda Palooza," from September 23 to October 1, includes panda-themed arts and crafts projects, temporary tattoos, photo backdrops and virtual events, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. 　

The Smithsonian National Zoo received Tian Tian and Mei Xiang in December 2000, and Xiao Qi Ji was born in August 2020　at the zoo.