World News
Honolulu mayor pursues $30,000 diplomatic effort to bring giant pandas to city zoo
Mayor Rick Blangiardi's trip to China initiated formal loan talks, which require Chinese government approval, zoo preparations, and an estimated $1 million annual fee.
The short version
- Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi took a 10-day trip to China to negotiate bringing giant pandas to the Honolulu Zoo.
- Securing a 10-year panda loan requires approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping, meeting zoo care standards, and paying an estimated annual fee of at least $1 million.
- City officials hope the addition could triple annual zoo attendance, while Honolulu Zoo Director John Berry assesses the current likelihood of approval as leaning yes.
Key facts
- Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and his wife completed a 10-day trip to China to advocate for securing giant pandas for the Honolulu Zoo.[Associated Press]
- The travel cost taxpayers $28,746.30 using lapsed funds from the fiscal year, covering business-class flights for the mayor and his wife.[Associated Press]
- Hosting giant pandas involves a standard 10-year lease agreement with China and an estimated annual fee of at least $1 million for a pair.[Associated Press]
- Final approval for the panda loan rests with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a formal review of international relations and facility capabilities.[Associated Press]
- Honolulu Zoo Director John Berry characterized the current status of the application process as leaning yes.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether Chinese leadership will grant final approval for the panda lease agreement.[Associated Press]
- It is unverified whether the addition of pandas will meet Mayor Blangiardi's expectation of tripling the zoo's annual attendance.[Associated Press]