they re a staple. they re, you know i think of the smithsonian zoo, i think of the pandas. reporter: it marks the end of a more than five-decade run for the unique animals at the national zoo that first began after president richard nixon s historic visit to china. it was a major diplomatic victory for the chinese that led to similar relationships with other countries. there s been no greater ambassador to getting people to love animals, love nature, love conservation than the giant panda. reporter: when the giant pandas leave washington, it will leave only one zoo in america with the animal. the san diego zoo s partnership ended in 2019. the memphis zoo in april of this year. atlanta s agreement ends in 2024. but zoo officials are hoping for an extension. it all comes at a time when political tensions between the united states and china are on the rise. the smithsonian s arrangement was not with the government specifically but instead a chinese conservation organization. s