National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Photo: Panda "Rent" Too High, U.S. Zoos Say


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Pandas are popular attractions at U.S. zoos. But between the bears' million-dollar annual rental fee—charged by the Chinese government—and the expensive upkeep, some facilities are spending more than they make from sightseers and sponsors.

Now the four U.S. zoos that have pandas are considering sending the animals back to China when their rental contracts expire unless the fees can be reduced.

Photograph by Jodi Cobb/NGS