Pandacast: Why the National Zoo's new pandas could arrive soon

Zoom in: The last panda fam left D.C. ahead of schedule, boarding the FedEx Panda Express back to China in early November instead of later in the year.

• Though zoo officials didn't specify a reason, the zoo's chief veterinarian Don Neiffer told Axios that animal transports are often planned around mild weather — no hot summer or icy winter travel. Sounds like peak autumn to us!

Yes, but: Forecasters predict an unseasonably warm fall, which could impact travel plans.

• Another factor is the war in Ukraine, which altered the pandas' last flight pattern.

Follow the money: Philanthropist David Rubenstein, who's donated millions to fund the panda conservation program and habitat, just pledged another $10 million, according to the Washington Post. That brings his contribution to a giant-panda-sized $22 million.

• The zoo is in the midst of a 10-year, $25 million fundraising goal to support panda conservation. That includes a multimillion-dollar revamp of the original Rubenstein panda habitat — another factor in Bao Li and Qing Bao's arrival.

Thought bubble: Could a cash infusion help speed renovations? Cannot predict now.