National Zoo's 1972 giant-panda gift

Following President Nixon's 1972 visit to China, two giant pandas-Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing-were gifted to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and arrived in Washington in 1972. The pair were on public display for about two decades and became iconic attractions that increased local interest in conservation and U.S.-China cultural exchange. The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution and continues to operate significant animal-care and conservation programs.