Panda Departure: D.C.'s Giant Pandas Bid Farewell with Packed Bags

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. is preparing to say goodbye to its three giant pandas as they are set to depart for China in mid-November. The pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their son Xiao Qi Ji, will be transported in separate shipping containers aboard a Boeing 777 FedEx cargo plane. Due to airspace restrictions, the journey will take a longer route over the Pacific Ocean with a refueling stop in Alaska. This marks the end of a 51-year era of giant pandas in Washington, leaving the city without these beloved creatures for the first time in 23 years. The pandas will have to adjust to their new home in China, where they will be cared for by different keepers and learn some Chinese prompts.