Giant pandas too expensive for U.S. zoos

WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- Giant pandas are the most popular attraction in several U.S. zoos but may be too expensive as officials try to renegotiate their annual fee with China.

China has loaned the pandas to zoos in Washington, D.C., San Diego, Atlanta and Memphis for $1 million a year.

The BBC reports zoo officials recently met with officials in China, saying they can't afford the price anymore.

Visits and merchandise profits aren't offsetting the cost, even during peak times such as after a birth of a cub.

Washington National Zoo spokesman John Gibbons said they are waiting for a response from China.