Giant pandas are prepping for their big Washington comeback. Nearly six months after the creatures left the hearts of the nation's capital teeming with bittersweet goodbyes, an announcement made Wednesday has the town buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of two pandas coming to the National Zoo by year's end. Washington is setting the stage for a panda party, as detailed in reports by Zoo Atlanta.

Zoo officials are chuffed about the fresh deal with the Chinese government which will see Bao Li, a spry 2-year-old male, and Qing Bao, an equally young female, settling into their new Washington home. Brandie Smith, the zoo’s director, expressed excitement about the new chapter in their breeding and conservation endeavors, according to a statement obtained by WABE. “This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact,” she said.

The pandas' arrival marks an ongoing symbol of friendship between the U.S. and China, amidst recent years of tension over various international concerns. Last year's exit of Washington’s panda trio to China had followed by a nation adoring farewell, leaving behind just one panda family at Zoo Atlanta. They, too, are set to return to China later this year, Zoo Atlanta confirmed.

Following the return of Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and her cub Xiao Qi Ji to China in November, deals with Chinese zoos have led American zoos to anticipate a panda deficit. But with the new arrivals, plus the prospect of pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao joining San Diego Zoo and another pair heading to San Francisco, America’s love affair with the bamboo-loving bears is set to reignite. Struck with nostalgia, the National Zoo reminisced about their departed pandas, revealing that Bao Li and Qing Bao hail from prominent lineage—descendants of the very bears that charmed the nation for over two decades.

In a light-hearted promo, First Lady Jill Biden along with Smithsonian leadership teased the incoming honored guests. Known for their vegetarian diet and distinctive black and white fur, the tongue-in-cheek video played up the excitement. The zoo pledged a $1 million annual fee to the China Wildlife Conservation Association for research and conservation efforts, part of an agreement extending through April 2034. Under this deal, any newborn cubs will call China home by the age of 4, as mentioned by WABE.