The US national zoo and Chinese conservation officials have signed a deal extending the stay of Washington’s two beloved pandas.

The $2.75 million deal signed by the Smithsonian National Zoo and China Wildlife Conservation Association at the zoo’s panda exhibit allows 12-year-old Mei Xiang and 13-year-old Tian Tian to stay until 2015. The pair arrived at the zoo in 2000.

The agreement calls for Chinese scientists and breeding experts to visit the US national zoo to try new breeding methods. Also, if they are not able to breed after two years, one or both of the pandas could be swapped for others from China.

Any cub born to the pair would now be allowed to stay for four years, instead of the previous limit of two.

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