National Zoo in talks to bring pandas back to D.C.

What they're saying: "The zoo is in discussions with our Chinese partner, the China Wildlife Conservation Association, to develop a future giant panda program," National Zoo director Brandie Smith tells Axios.

• "It's always been our intention and hope to have giant pandas at the zoo in the future and continue our research here and conservation work in China," Smith says.

Between the lines: So there's hope! Though the zoo says there are no other updates.

• In the meantime, the multimillion-dollar panda habitat is getting an upgrade.

Catch up quick: The zoo's beloved pandas jetted off to China last November on their private plane, the Giant Panda Express, earlier than predicted.

• Everyone was sad, especially a Salt Lake City-based panda influencer who missed the bears by a hair.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected, removing a mention that the U.S. is currently panda-less.