For the past six months, the giant panda habitat at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) has sat empty, a sign outside of its entrance informing visitors that the beloved black-and-white bears who once occupied the enclosure are now living in China.

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.

D.C. is officially getting giant pandas back at the National Zoo.

Why it matters: In a city where panda merch and "bearthday" parties were rampant, being giant panda-less since November has not been easy for Washingtonians. Now that they're coming back, expect plenty of happy panda-monium.

The big picture: Since China first sent giant pandas to the National Zoo following the normalizing of ties with the U.S. in 1972, the iconic bears have been a sign of friendship between the two nations.

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. In a comical video featuring first lady Jill Biden, the Smithsonian announced the pandas’ return.