HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4673, by Representatives Muri, Kilduff, Appleton, Sawyer, Johnson, Griffey, and S. Hunt

WHEREAS, There is nothing on the planet quite as wonderful as a black and white giant panda, also known as ailuropoda melanoleuca; and

WHEREAS, Pandas are an endangered species and the rarest member of the bear family; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 1,800 wild pandas live in remote, mountainous regions in China, where they subsist on a bamboo diet; and

WHEREAS, There continue to be conservation efforts to protect pandas and improve panda habitat; and

WHEREAS, The first panda born in captivity was born in a Beijing zoo in 1963; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 300 pandas live in breeding centers and zoos in the world; and

WHEREAS, Four zoos in the United States house pandas; and

WHEREAS, Pandas symbolize the long-standing friendship between Washington state, the Sichuan Province, and the People's Republic of China; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Panda Foundation was formed under the leadership of former Governor John Spellman, who initiated a close friendship with Sichuan Province in 1982 to explore the possibility of bringing pandas to Washington state; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Panda Foundation works to showcase business partnerships, promote natural science, and expand our state's friendship with the People's Republic of China through panda exchange; and

WHEREAS, In late 2015, a group of state lawmakers and President Xi Jinping exchanged letters recognizing opportunities for cooperation and goodwill that could come with Washington state hosting pandas; and

WHEREAS, At least two Washington state zoos, the Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo, are being considered as possible panda host locations through an exchange program; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the many cultural, scientific, and business opportunities that may come with hosting pandas, it is well known that pandas put smiles on the faces of everyone who encounters these bears;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Washington State House of Representatives commend the efforts of the Washington State Panda Foundation, Woodland Park Zoo, and Point Defiance Zoo in working with the People's Republic of China to bring pandas to Washington state through an exchange; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Panda Foundation.