Mei Xiang, 25, Tian Tian, 26, and their 3-year-old son, Xiao Qi Ji, packed their bamboo and left for China on Wednesday, making D.C. panda-less for the first time in 23 years.
The trio’s departure followed months of goodbyes: a nine-day “Panda Palooza” celebration, final visits by generations of panda fans and one couple’s return to the scene of their 2016 engagement at the zoo’s panda house. And as with many breakups, the longer the relationship, the deeper the heartbreak.
Now all that’s left of those three bears are memories and mementos. Washington Post reporters gathered some of the items that symbolize the connection D.C.’s panda fans have felt to the animals for the past 51 years. They talked to some of the people who are deeply affected by the animals’ departure, and what they’re doing to stash their cherished memories away.
Soon after Yael Krigman moved her bakery, Baked by Yael, into a space across from the National Zoo’s entrance in 2015, people began to ask her for panda-related treats. Thus the panda cake pop was born. As time went on, the cake pops became a pillar (支柱) of her brand. Even with the pandas gone, Krigman said, the cake pops will remain.“The pandas are super cute, but their departure is not going to put us out of business,” she said.
Still, it’s possible fewer people will visit the zoo — and surrounding shops — after the pandas’ departure, said Robert Meins, executive director of Woodley Park Main Street.“You know, the more diverse and the more interesting the offerings that the zoo has, the more people will come — it’s that simple,” he said.
LiLLiES has been making “panda pancakes” since the restaurant opened in 2011, said Ryan Raihan, a manager there. When it opened, kids in panda hats and T-shirts would run in and order the pancakes.But splitting up with the pandas affects more than the restaurant’s brunch orders.“This hurts,” Raihan said. “They’re a huge part of our culture and our neighborhood. It’s not even about the financial gain or loss that is going to happen because of their leaving.”
4. What is NOT offered in the surrounding shops and restaurants of the National Zoo?
A.panda pancakes | B.panda cake pops | C.panda mementos | D.Bamboo-related treats |
5. What does the underlined word in paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.books | B.movies | C.treats | D.souvenirs |
6. What do many panda fans in Washington D.C. feel with the pandas leaving?
A.indifferent | B.delighted | C.heartbroken | D.outraged |
7. Which is the most suitable title for the text?
A.Packing away our panda memories | B.A panda-less Woodley Park |
C.Champions of conservation | D.Business depression in the National Park |