Zoo Atlanta’s pandas had to go back to China, but zoo officials are now saying they may not be gone for good. Spokespeople said on Wednesday they are “currently engaging in dialogue” with Chinese partners on a future panda program.

Zoo Atlanta has filed plans to renovate its giant panda habitat “in hopeful anticipation” of bringing the endearing bears back to Atlanta.

Zoo Atlanta is making room for more giant pandas.On Wednesday, zoo officials announced plans to expand their panda facilities “in hopeful anticipation” of a new giant panda agreement with partners in China.

Zoo Atlanta is working to establish a new agreement with China to bring back giant pandas, following the return of Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun to China in October. The pandas were previously on loan as part of a 50-year conservation program, and their departure drew many visitors to the zoo for farewells.

Zoo Atlanta officials say they've started talks with China to bring back giant pandas to the city. Driving the news: Zoo officials announced Wednesday that they were "engaging in dialogue" with China and would begin preliminary design work on a giant panda complex to prepare for the big ole goofy creatures' future — but yet to be determined — return.