Goodbye Bao Bao: Nation's Favorite Panda Is Leaving For China!

Animal lovers, get ready to tearfully say, goodbye Bao Bao, as the nation's favorite panda is leaving for China. She will soon bid farewell to United States as she will be transferred to China early next year.

As reported by Reuters and posted in Yahoo News, The three-year-old giant panda has captured many hearts of zookeepers and visitors alike. But due to a breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, it is essential that we all need to say goodbye Bao Bao.

Although Bao Bao has been thriving well, it has been stated under the said agreement that all cubs born at the National Zoo museum should move to China by their fourth birthday. So despite her being in the United States for all her life, it is necessary for us to say goodbye Bao Bao.

Smithsonian's National Zoo's Associate Director of Animal Care, Brandie Smith said, "Bao Bao is very special to us at the Smithsonian's National Zoo." She adds, "She's (Bao Bao) captured the hearts of people all over the world who watched her grow up." It is to no wonder why saying goodbye to Bao Bao would be extremely hard for everyone.

Bao Bao was born at the National Zoo on August 23, 2013. Officials at the zoo say that Bao Bao is the "first surviving cub at the zoo since 2005," according to Washington Post. 

While we have to bid farewell to Bao Bao, her parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, and her younger brother, Bei Bei will still be present at the National Zoo. Zoo officials in a statement say that they are planning for a public event for visitors to say goodbye Bao Bao before the 44-pound panda leaves for China, an article in Washington Post said.

Although saying goodbye Bao Bao will indeed be tear-jerking, this big move will contribute to the growth of the panda population. "We are sad to see her go, but excited for the contributions she is going to continue to make to the global giant panda populations," said Brandie Smith.

Assisting Bao Bao's departure will be led by a veterinarian and accompanied by the panda keeper of the zoo. They are also in-charge to closely monitor the giant panda.

Officials say that a crate will be used to transport Bao Bao during her flight. They are doing their best to ensure she will feel safe and comfortable.

There is no specific date of Bao Bao's departure, but it is said to be during the winter season early next year. Are you sad that Bao Bao is leaving? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.