Fans at National Zoo in US bid farewell to three pandas

The loan pact was renewed twice, each time for a five-year extension, until Dec 7, 2020. It was then extended for another three years.

Since collaboration between China and the Smithsonian's National Zoo began in 2000, the two sides have worked "closely and fruitfully" on giant panda conservation and research, said Xu Xueyuan, minister of the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

"The sheer fact that so many of us are gathering here, so early in the morning, to say farewell to the giant pandas returning to China, speaks for itself the unique charm of these adorable creatures," Xu said at a seeing-off ceremony at the zoo.

"Giant pandas belong to China. Giant pandas also belong to the world. China will continue to work closely with cooperation partners, including the United States, on the conservation and research of endangered species and biodiversity protection," the diplomat said.

The zoo said, "From births and first steps to munching bamboo and playtime in the snow... Giant Panda Cam has connected fans across the world to amazing moments featuring Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cubs," On its website.

Since its launch, Giant Panda Cam has had more than 100 million page views, the zoo said.