Pandas strain finances at U.S. zoos

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The four U.S. zoos that house giant pandas say the animals are putting too much strain on their finances.

They want to renegotiate future loan agreements with China, saying it may make more sense to send the animals back to China after contracts expire, the Washington Times reported.

The zoos in Atlanta, Memphis, Washington and San Diego each pay more than $1 million a year for what the Chinese government says is a fund to protect endangered animals. In addition, China charges the zoos a one-time fee of about $600,000 each time a panda cub, such as Tai Shan, is born, the newspaper said.

Zoo officials say the loan fees and money required for upkeep take away funds from other species that also need protection.

The National Zoo in Washington joined with the three other zoos to open an informal dialogue with China regarding a new contract. They hope a less-expensive agreement can be reached, the newspaper said.