The internet is saying bon voyage to Bao Bao, the National Zoo’s 3-year-old giant panda. On Tuesday afternoon, Bao Bao left Washington D.C. to board a plane to Chengdu, China as part of the China Wildlife Conservation Association’s breeding program.
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, “All cubs born at the Zoo move to China before turning 4 years old to breed with other pandas, helping to keep the population genetically diverse.” The entire weekend was dedicated to celebrating Bao Bao’s next chapter with social media takeovers and daily treats.
Bao Bao was born at the National Zoo on August 23, 2013, and has since become part of the zoo’s family. Now, as she makes her way to China on the FedEx Panda Express, she will have plenty of space, food and love to take with her. Take a look at how people said goodbye on social media below:
Social Media Says #ByeByeBaoBao As Giant Panda Leaves for China
Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially when you're saying goodbye to a face like this. #ByeByeBaoBao pic.twitter.com/DJ5GEyZasJ
— Smithsonian Channel (@SmithsonianChan) February 19, 2017
❤️Bao Bao's last ice created by our Dept. of Nutrition Sciences was inspired by a Chinese pagoda in honor of her new home #ByeByeBaoBao pic.twitter.com/7V1Ua0gei9
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) February 20, 2017
It's Bao Bao's last night here's my favorite Bao moment from the best @NationalZoo trip ever.. #ByeByeBaoBao #missualready pic.twitter.com/5qySvwE8rC
— Julie Oltmann (@julieoltmann) February 21, 2017
Today is @BaoBaoPanda's big day. She leaves the @NationalZoo and returns to China. Safe travels, #BaoBao! ❤ #ByeByeBaoBao pic.twitter.com/17z0mu5ueU
— Connie Shih (@connieshih) February 21, 2017
Big smile. Full Belly. All joy.
Classic Bao Bao.
Go make adventures darling girl.@baobaopanda @houseofcubs #ByeByeBaoBao pic.twitter.com/GykS08CykV— Michelle (@MichelleinTheUK) February 21, 2017
So thankful we got to visit @BaoBaoPanda at the @NationalZoo while on our inadvertent Panda Tour :) #ByeByeBaoBao Safe travels, sweet girl! pic.twitter.com/BP8e5Hg5Wd
— Jennifer Kaufman (@jnkaufman) February 21, 2017
Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Bao Bao's 1st birthday at the @NationalZoo Bon Voyage! #ByeByeBaoBao pic.twitter.com/LwW48dlN9N
— Kimberly Prom (@kimberlyprom) February 21, 2017
BaoBao goodbye! I know it's for the best but I am still crying. #ByeByeBaoBao
— Lilla Manda Panda (@lilla_amanda) February 21, 2017
Do you have a favorite memory of Bao Bao? Share it in the comments section below!
Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke, Flickr