Bao Bao the giant panda began her journey to China on Tuesday, departing the National Zoo in Washington as scheduled
after a sentimental farewell that lasted days.
The 3-year-old giant panda left the zoo Tuesday morning and boarded a FedEx plane bound for Chengdu, China, the zoo said. The non-stop
flight was expected to take about 16 hours.
Before getting into her custom travel crate Bao Bao was given about 8 kilograms of bamboo and 150 grams of leaf-eater biscuits and spent
time in her outdoor habitat.
Zoo director Dennis Kelly was joined by Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai and animal care staff to say goodbye.
“Today is bittersweet,” said Kelly. “We’ve watched Bao Bao grow up during the past three years, and she has charmed people all over the
world with her independent and playful personality.”
Bao Bao was born in August 2013 and has enjoyed life in Washington as a celebrity. The bamboo-munching animal’s life in Washington was
feted in several parties featuring ice cake treats in the days leading up to her departure.
She is being sent to China to breed under a programme started more than 40 years ago between the zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation
Association.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, Bao Bao’s Chinese keepers will drive her to Dujiangyan Panda Base, where she will stay in quarantine for approximately 30 days. An American keeper who has cared for Bao Bao since her birth, will remain with Bao Bao while she acclimates to her new home.
Washington (dpa)
