Pandas Depart, Snake In Traffic Light: Top VA Animal Stories 2023

VIRGINIA — In November, the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. were shipped to China. The pandas' departure were easily the biggest story in the region this year, but tons of local animals stole our hearts and caught our eyes in 2023.

When the giant pandas flew out of Dulles Airport in November, the National Zoo was left without a panda for the first time in 50 years. The Chinese government had leased the animals to zoos around the world, part of a program known as "panda diplomacy."

The Smithsonian's pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, flew to Canada four weeks before the zoo's lease agreement with China was set to end. Throughout the fall, panda lovers flocked to the zoo to say goodbye to the beloved animals.

"As Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji depart for their new home in China, they leave behind a tremendous legacy in Washington, D.C.," zoo director Brandie Smith said in a statement. "It is exciting and humbling that people around the world have followed these pandas, shared in our joys and rooted for our success."

Read more: DC's Giant Pandas Depart Smithsonian Zoo For China

Though D.C.'s cherished pandas left the area, many animals were rescued around Virginia. Thanks to good Samaritans, many dogs, cats, and other animals are getting a second chance.

On May 1, police officers were called to an intersection in Manassas. A snake had crawled into an electrical panel and flipped a breaker, shutting off the traffic light.

Authorities said the culprit was a black eastern rat snake. Black rat snakes are not venomous, though they can grow up to seven feet long, the National Wildlife Federation said.

Officials reported that this snake had lived in the electrical panel for some time, as they found molted skin inside the box, according to the Associated Press.

Read more: Slippery Snake Slowed Traffic By Shutting Down Stop Light

In Loudoun County, the animal services bureau saved dozens of cats and dogs from "deplorable conditions" earlier this year.

In June, authorities filed cruelty charges against multiple employees from a Loudoun animal rescue. Investigators said 102 cats, dogs, and rabbits were kept in a home that was filled with feces and urine.

The animals were kept in crates, with some crates stacked on top of each other. Investigators also believe that many animals died from contagious diseases and were buried in the yard.

In an update, animal services officials said the rescued animals had all found new homes.

Read more:

• 100 Rescue Animals In 'Deplorable Conditions' Lead To Criminal Charges
• 40 Cats Rescued From Hoarding Case In Sterling: Authorities

Dulles International Airport was a hotbed for strange animal occurrences in 2023.

In February, 89 cats that were rescued from Kuwait landed in Dulles. The felines were trapped on the streets of Kuwait and brought to the U.S. to find homes.

"Obviously, like a lot of other countries, it's very grim out there, not just for cats but for dogs as well," said Rochelle Millard, a volunteer with the 4Paws Rescue Team. "They seem to do a lot of breeding out there for the more exotic type of breeds. Then, it's like a passing fad. A lot of the times, they don't get their pet spayed or neutered, and then they just literally throw them out on the street."

The cats from Kuwait later visited Petco adoption fairs around Virginia throughout the spring.

Read more: Cargo Of Cats From Kuwait Arrive For NoVA Rescues Via Dulles Airport

Another traveler at Dulles Airport brought animals to the country in a less traditional manner. Customs officials seized two birds that the traveler was carrying in an open box that was in a plastic bag.

Airline representatives notified U.S. Customs and Border Protection that a passenger on the flight from Dubai was transporting two birds in an open cardboard box inside a plastic bag, according to Customs and Border Patrol. The airline also reported that the passenger had not notified attendants at the gate in Dubai that she was bringing the birds onto the flight.

When the flight arrived in Virginia, CBP agricultural specialists secured the birds in a filtered crate and took them to the agency's agriculture quarantine inspections lab.

The birds were examined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services. They were identified as juvenile White-eared Bulbuls, which are not protected or endangered species, according to the CBP. USDA's Veterinary Services confirmed that the passenger did not possess veterinary certifications to export the birds from Iraq and import them to the U.S.

The woman, who was a naturalized U.S. citizen from Iraq, was taken for a secondary examination of her baggage. During that examination, CBP agriculture specialists found chicken seasoning and wooden sticks, which were prohibited items. They were seized because they presented a potential threat to U.S. agriculture.

The birds remained in the custody of the USDA and the woman was released by CBP to continue her journey.

Read more: 2 Birds Carried In Open Box On Flight From Dubai Seized By Dulles Airport Customs Officers

The holiday season brings lights, music, sales, and nativity scenes to churches throughout Virginia. One nativity scene in Vienna decided to cast dogs as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Church of the Good Shepherd, a United Methodist Church, brought back its popular Puppy Nativity for the first time in four years. Local residents were invited to bring puppies, dogs and other pets to the event on Saturday, Dec. 2.

"The original nativity had many animals around the manager, so bringing our pets is a wonderful way to celebrate the season," said the Rev. Eric Song before the even. He started the new tradition in 2016 in his first year as the church's pastor. "Animals are a big part of our families, and we want all to be included. So bring your pets to pose at our nativity."

Read more: Puppy Nativity Returns To Vienna Church After 4-Year Pause

Dogs already bring so much joy to our lives, but one Falls Church veterinary hospital urged local dogs to support their canine compatriots.

Veterinary Emergency Group, a pet ER located in Falls Church, announced the launch of its blood bank program in August. Dog donors are now being sought at the Falls Church location ahead of the program rolling out nationally.

The veterinary hospital noted canine blood donations are one of the most urgent needs among veterinarians. Blood donations may be used to treat injuries, trauma, diseases such as anemia, blood cell damage, internal bleeding and immune-mediated diseases as well as for surgeries.

Jessie Brown, blood bank director at Veterinary Emergency Group, told Patch that there are a limited amount of commercial veterinary blood banks to supply clinics around the U.S. Red blood cell donations expire every 28 to 35 days, so veterinary hospitals often have to replenish supplies.

Brown says it is safe and not painful for dogs to donate blood. The only requirement is that dogs have to sit or lay still for 10 to 15 minutes during the process. Some even fall asleep during the blood donation, according to Brown.

If a dog shows signs of being uncomfortable during a blood donation, the process stops immediately.

"We strive to make the donation process as positive and enjoyable for our heroes as possible by providing a comfortable donation experience filled with love, celebration and delicious treats," said Brown. "Our [heroes] help us save pets all over the nation so we make sure to celebrate at every donation."

Here are some other animal-related stories from Northern Virginia that Patch covered in 2023:

• 'Gentle Creatures' or 'Monsters'? Residents Debate Deer In Arlington
• Mystery Of Illness That May Be Sickening VA Dogs Unlocked By New Study
• 29 Chihuahuas Find Homes Within 24 Hours Thanks To Stafford Shelter
• Arlington Shelter Seeking Donations To Care For 16 Dogs Rescued From Missouri Puppy Mills
• Rabbit Shot With Blow Dart In Arlington Caught, Sent To Wildlife Center For Care
• Video: Young Fox Hides Feral Cat Popeye's Water Bowl In Fairfax
• Update: Third Eaglet Hatches At Dulles Greenway Nest
• Family Dog Shot By Arrow In Woodbridge Backyard: Police
• Smooch The Pooch Charity Fundraising Event Returns to Fredericksburg
• Dognappers Arrested, Accused Of Taking Pup From Leesburg Home: Police