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China's official state-run Xinhua news agency said 3-year-old female Mei Lan of Zoo Atlanta and 4-year-old male Tai Shan of Washington's National Zoo were transported to Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, China, in a special cargo jet.

After arriving in China, Tai Shan was taken to the Ya'an Bifeng Gorge Breeding Base. Xinhua said Mei Lan will become a guest of the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding.

The Washington Post said the pandas were delivered to China as part of an agreement between the United States and China.

The agreement stipulates that China remains the owner of all giant pandas living in U.S. zoos. Any panda cubs born inside U.S. borders are required to be sent to China once the endangered animals reach breeding age, the Post said.

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