After 23 years at the National Zoo in Washington DC, three giant pandas were returned to China. The pandas were on loan to the zoo and their departure has led to emotional farewells. The pandas were originally given to the US in 1972 as a symbol of goodwill when President Richard Nixon resumed diplomatic relations with China. Now, the zoos in DC, Memphis, and San Diego have returned their pandas to China, leaving only the Atlanta Zoo pandas in the country. However, they are also scheduled to return to China in early 2024.
The pandas’ departure has sparked sadness among zoo staff and visitors, as the pandas had become beloved attractions over the years. The pandas’ return to China marks the end of an era and the conclusion of a successful conservation and breeding program. The pandas’ presence in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species and has contributed to scientific research on panda behavior and biology.
The pandas’ departure highlights the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. The exchange of pandas between China and the US has not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also facilitated collaborative efforts in conservation and research. The pandas’ return to China signifies a successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species around the world.
The pandas’ departure serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve endangered species. The return of the pandas to China represents a bittersweet moment for the zoos and the public, as they bid farewell to these iconic animals. However, it also symbolizes the ongoing commitment to conservation and the hope for the survival of giant pandas and other endangered species in the wild.
Original news source: Sad farewells for US pandas heading back to China (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Students are divided into small groups. Each group is given a few minutes to read the article and summarize the main points in their own words. They must then present their summary to the class, highlighting the key events and the significance of the panda exchange between the US and China.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Conduct a class-wide opinion poll by asking students if they believe that animal loan programs like the panda exchange are beneficial for international relations and conservation efforts. Students cast their vote by standing in different areas of the classroom that represent ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Undecided’. Afterward, select representatives from each group to explain their reasoning.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., conservation, diplomatic relations, endangered species, wildlife conservation, bittersweet, etc.) on slips of paper. Students take turns drawing a word from a hat and then sketching it on the whiteboard without speaking. Their team must guess the word within a set time limit, fostering both vocabulary recall and non-verbal communication skills.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to write down their predictions about the future of wildlife conservation and international relations concerning endangered species. They should consider the impact of the giant pandas’ return to China and how similar programs might evolve. Students then share their predictions with a partner and discuss the likelihood and potential outcomes of these scenarios.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Pose a question to the class related to the article, such as “What are the pros and cons of animal loan programs like the panda exchange?” Students first think about the question individually, then pair up with a classmate to discuss their thoughts, and finally, share their conclusions with the larger group, facilitating a deeper understanding of the complexities of such conservation programs.
Comprehension Questions:
1. How long were the giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington DC before being returned to China?
2. What was the reason for the pandas being given to the US in 1972?
3. Which US zoos have returned their pandas to China, leaving which zoo with the only pandas in the country?
4. When are the Atlanta Zoo pandas scheduled to return to China?
5. How has the presence of the pandas in the US contributed to conservation and scientific research?
6. What does the departure of the pandas signify in terms of international cooperation in wildlife conservation?
7. In what ways has the exchange of pandas between China and the US strengthened diplomatic ties?
8. What does the return of the pandas to China symbolize in the context of ongoing conservation efforts?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
After 23 years at the National Zoo in Washington DC, three giant pandas were returned to China. The pandas were on loan to the zoo and their departure has led to emotional farewells. The pandas were originally given to the US in 1972 as a (1)______ of goodwill when President Richard Nixon resumed diplomatic relations with China. Now, the zoos in DC, (2)______, and San (3)______ have returned their pandas to China, (4)______ only the Atlanta Zoo pandas in the country. However, they are also scheduled to return to China in early 2024.
The pandas’ (5)______ has sparked sadness among zoo (6)______ and visitors, as the pandas had become beloved (7)______ over the years. The pandas’ return to China marks the end of an era and the conclusion of a successful conservation and breeding program. The pandas’ presence in the US has (8)______ raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species and has contributed to (9)______ research on panda behavior and biology.
The pandas’ departure highlights the importance of international cooperation in (10)______ conservation. The exchange of pandas between China and the US has not only strengthened (11)______ ties but also facilitated collaborative (12)______ in conservation and research. The pandas’ return to China signifies a successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve (13)______ (14)______ around the world.
The pandas’ departure serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve endangered species. The return of the pandas to China represents a bittersweet (15)______ for the zoos and the public, as they bid farewell to these iconic animals. However, it also symbolizes the ongoing (16)______ to conservation and the hope for the survival of giant pandas and other endangered species in the wild.
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Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your favorite animal to see at a zoo, and why do you think people are so drawn to that particular animal?
2. How would you feel if a beloved animal attraction in your country was returned to its native habitat or country?
3. Do you like the idea of animals being kept in zoos for conservation and education purposes? Why or why not?
4. Do you think international cooperation is important in wildlife conservation? Can you provide an example or reason for your opinion?
5. Have you ever experienced saying goodbye to something or someone that has been a part of your life for a long time? How did that make you feel?
6. What is an example of a successful conservation story from your country or one that you know of?
7. How do you think the return of the pandas to China will affect the research on panda behavior and biology?
8. Do you believe that the presence of exotic animals in zoos in foreign countries can strengthen diplomatic ties? Why or why not?
9. What is your stance on the concept of ‘loaning’ animals between countries for conservation efforts?
10. How would you feel about the idea of all zoos eventually returning their endangered species to the wild or their native countries?
11. Do you think the departure of the pandas will have a significant impact on the National Zoo and other zoos in the US? In what way?
12. What measures do you believe should be taken to ensure the continued protection of endangered species after they are returned to their native countries?
13. Can you think of any potential downsides to returning animals like the giant pandas to China after they have been in a foreign country for many years?
14. Do you think the emotional attachment of the public to animals in zoos, like the giant pandas, can play a role in conservation efforts? How so?
15. What other forms of international collaboration in conservation and research do you think could be as effective as animal exchanges?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. departure
2. pandas
3. conservation
4. international
5. cooperation
6. endangered
7. symbolic
8. diplomatic
Meanings:
(a) At risk of extinction
(b) Relating to the management of international relations
(c) The protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife
(d) Large black and white bears native to China
(e) The act of leaving or going away
(f) The action of working together towards a common goal
(g) Serving as a symbol
(h) Relating to or involving two or more countries
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. When were the giant pandas originally given to the US?
(a) 1985
(b) 1972
(c) 1999
(d) 2007
2. Where were the three giant pandas returned to China from?
(a) Bronx Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, and Denver Zoo
(b) Central Park Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, and Houston Zoo
(c) National Zoo in Washington DC, Memphis Zoo, and San Diego Zoo
(d) Lincoln Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, and Philadelphia Zoo
3. The pandas’ presence in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of which species?
(a) African elephants
(b) Polar bears
(c) Giant pandas
(d) Bengal tigers
4. What does the article highlight as the importance of the exchange of pandas between China and the US?
(a) Boosting tourism and increasing zoo revenue
(b) Strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating collaborative efforts in conservation and research
(c) Providing entertainment for zoo visitors
(d) Creating new breeding programs for other endangered species
5. What does the pandas’ return to China signify?
(a) The end of international cooperation in wildlife conservation
(b) A decrease in public interest in giant pandas
(c) A shift in focus from conservation to entertainment at zoos
(d) A successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species
6. The pandas’ departure serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve which type of species?
(a) Invasive species
(b) Domesticated species
(c) Extinct species
(d) Endangered species
7. What does the article mention as the public’s reaction to the pandas’ departure?
(a) Sadness and emotional farewells
(b) Excitement and anticipation for new zoo attractions
(c) Indifference and lack of interest
(d) Anger and frustration towards the zoos
8. What does the article symbolize the ongoing commitment to?
(a) Conservation and the hope for the survival of giant pandas and other endangered species in the wild
(b) Capturing and displaying exotic animals in zoos
(c) Exploiting wildlife for profit
(d) Ignoring the plight of endangered species
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. The exchange of pandas between China and the US has weakened diplomatic ties and hindered collaborative efforts in conservation and research.
2. The pandas’ departure undermines the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve endangered species.
3. The departure of the pandas has resulted in apathetic farewells among zoo staff and visitors.
4. The pandas were originally given to the US in 1972 as a symbol of goodwill when President Richard Nixon resumed diplomatic relations with China.
5. The pandas were also returned from the zoos in DC, Memphis, and San Diego, leaving only the Atlanta Zoo pandas in the country.
6. The pandas’ presence in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species and has contributed to scientific research on panda behavior and biology.
7. Three giant pandas were returned to China after only 23 days at the National Zoo in Washington DC.
8. The pandas’ return to China signifies a successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species around the world.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. How long were the giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington DC before being returned to China?
2. What was the symbolic significance of the giant pandas being given to the US in 1972?
3. Which US zoos have returned their pandas to China, and which zoo still has pandas that are scheduled to return?
4. How has the presence of giant pandas in the US contributed to conservation efforts and scientific research?
5. What does the return of the pandas to China signify in terms of international wildlife conservation cooperation?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. How long were the giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington DC before being returned to China?
The giant pandas were at the National Zoo in Washington DC for 23 years before being returned to China.
2. What was the reason for the pandas being given to the US in 1972?
The pandas were given to the US in 1972 as a symbol of goodwill when President Richard Nixon resumed diplomatic relations with China.
3. Which US zoos have returned their pandas to China, leaving which zoo with the only pandas in the country?
The zoos in DC, Memphis, and San Diego have returned their pandas to China, leaving only the Atlanta Zoo with pandas in the country.
4. When are the Atlanta Zoo pandas scheduled to return to China?
The Atlanta Zoo pandas are scheduled to return to China in early 2024.
5. How has the presence of the pandas in the US contributed to conservation and scientific research?
The presence of the pandas in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species and has contributed to scientific research on panda behavior and biology.
6. What does the departure of the pandas signify in terms of international cooperation in wildlife conservation?
The departure of the pandas signifies the end of an era and the conclusion of a successful conservation and breeding program, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation.
7. In what ways has the exchange of pandas between China and the US strengthened diplomatic ties?
The exchange of pandas between China and the US has not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also facilitated collaborative efforts in conservation and research.
8. What does the return of the pandas to China symbolize in the context of ongoing conservation efforts?
The return of the pandas to China symbolizes a successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species around the world.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) symbol
(2) Memphis
(3) Diego
(4) leaving
(5) departure
(6) staff
(7) attractions
(8) helped
(9) scientific
(10) wildlife
(11) diplomatic
(12) efforts
(13) endangered
(14) species
(15) moment
(16) commitment
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. departure
Answer: (e) The act of leaving or going away
2. pandas
Answer: (d) Large black and white bears native to China
3. conservation
Answer: (c) The protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife
4. international
Answer: (h) Relating to or involving two or more countries
5. cooperation
Answer: (f) The action of working together towards a common goal
6. endangered
Answer: (a) At risk of extinction
7. symbolic
Answer: (g) Serving as a symbol
8. diplomatic
Answer: (b) Relating to the management of international relations
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. When were the giant pandas originally given to the US?
Answer: (b) 1972
2. Where were the three giant pandas returned to China from?
Answer: (c) National Zoo in Washington DC, Memphis Zoo, and San Diego Zoo
3. The pandas’ presence in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of which species?
Answer: (c) Giant pandas
4. What does the article highlight as the importance of the exchange of pandas between China and the US?
Answer: (b) Strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating collaborative efforts in conservation and research
5. What does the pandas’ return to China signify?
Answer: (d) A successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species
6. The pandas’ departure serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve which type of species?
Answer: (d) Endangered species
7. What does the article mention as the public’s reaction to the pandas’ departure?
Answer: (a) Sadness and emotional farewells
8. What does the article symbolize the ongoing commitment to?
Answer: (a) Conservation and the hope for the survival of giant pandas and other endangered species in the wild
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. The exchange of pandas between China and the US has weakened diplomatic ties and hindered collaborative efforts in conservation and research. (Answer: False)
2. The pandas’ departure undermines the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve endangered species. (Answer: False)
3. The departure of the pandas has resulted in apathetic farewells among zoo staff and visitors. (Answer: False)
4. The pandas were originally given to the US in 1972 as a symbol of goodwill when President Richard Nixon resumed diplomatic relations with China. (Answer: True)
5. The pandas were also returned from the zoos in DC, Memphis, and San Diego, leaving only the Atlanta Zoo pandas in the country. (Answer: True)
6. The pandas’ presence in the US has helped raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species and has contributed to scientific research on panda behavior and biology. (Answer: True)
7. Three giant pandas were returned to China after only 23 days at the National Zoo in Washington DC. (Answer: False)
8. The pandas’ return to China signifies a successful conservation story and the continuation of efforts to protect and preserve endangered species around the world. (Answer: True)
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