The announcement that three giant pandas will be sent back to China has broken the hearts of millions of Americans. After the departure of giant panda twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia in November, giant panda Bao Bao from Washington's Smithsonian's National Zoo will leave for home in early 2017.

The adorable animal has won hearts of fans worldwide as they serve as China's ambassador of friendship. As China's national treasure, giant pandas have witnessed many significant diplomatic moments and been playing a key role in building China's international image.

Panda cubs Mei Lun and Mei Huan sleep at their mother's feet at the Atlanta Zoo in Atlanta, Georgia, US November 14, 2013. The cubs will sent back to China on Thursday[Photo/Agencies]

Giant panda Bao Bao celebrates her two-year birthday at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington on Aug 23, 2015 amid a large crowd of fans. The birthday party came just a day after Bao Bao's mom, Mei Xiang, gave birth to two cubs at the zoo on Saturday. Bao Bao will leave for China in 2017. Chen Weihua/China Daily