The giant panda's distinct black-and-white markings have two functions: camouflage and communication. Most of the panda - its face, neck, belly, rump - is white to help it hide in snowy habitats. The ...

The Chinese government owns nearly all the giant pandas on earth. And American zoos will shell out up to $1 million a year to rent just one. Most sign 10-year "panda diplomacy" contracts ...

The pandas arrived in the U.S. in 2000. They were supposed to stay for research for 10 years, but the agreement that brought them to the National Zoo was extended a number of times. Prior to their ...