Giant panda trio return to Chengdu from Washington

In preparation for their post-return quarantine, the Sichuan facility has set up indoor enclosures, feed processing rooms and outdoor activity areas.

An ample supply of bamboo, bamboo shoots and supplemental foodstuffs has been prepared in advance.

During the trio's quarantine period, a team of experts will be on-site 24 hours a day, providing meticulous care and monitoring their health to ensure a smooth transition for Mei Xiang's family back to life in China, the administration said, adding that this year and next year, several other giant pandas with expiring agreements — and pandas reaching a certain age — will return to China.

The administration will organize agencies to do the repatriation work, it added.

China will continue to strengthen cooperation with countries, including the US, to contribute to the protection of endangered species such as giant pandas, and deepen friendship between the Chinese and overseas people, said the administration.

China is currently carrying out panda conservation cooperation and research with 19 countries worldwide, data released from the administration showed.

Since the 1990s, China has conducted giant panda conservation and research with 26 institutions from 20 countries to jointly protect the species, including the US and Russia. As a result, they have successfully bred 68 cubs.