Giant pandas are returning to D.C.'s National Zoo

D.C. is officially getting giant pandas back at the National Zoo.

Why it matters: In a city where panda merch and "bearthday" parties were rampant, being giant panda-less since November has not been easy for Washingtonians. Now that they're coming back, expect plenty of happy panda-monium.

The big picture: Since China first sent giant pandas to the National Zoo following the normalizing of ties with the U.S. in 1972, the iconic bears have been a sign of friendship between the two nations.

But the number of giant pandas at U.S. zoos has dwindled as tensions between Washington and Beijing rose in recent years.

Driving the news: D.C. will receive a pair of pandas by the end of the year, per an elaborate video announcement Wednesday involving first lady Jill Biden, Smithsonian secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute director Brandie Smith.