Bao Bao Is Leaving DC National Zoo; Here's The Date

WASHINGTON, DC — Bao Bao the panda is leaving D.C. and moving to China on Feb. 21, the National Zoo has announced.

The National Zoo will be sending off Bao Bao with a "series of celebratory events" titled "Bye Bye, Bao Bao" from Feb. 16-20.

Bao Bao was brought to D.C. as part of a cooperative breeding program with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). All panda cubs born at the zoo depart to China by the age of 4, and they participate in China's breeding program when they reach sexual maturity at 5 or 6 years old.

Strangely, the National Zoo said in its FAQ on Bao Bao's departure that it would not release the exact date of her departure "for the safety and security of Bao Bao and our staff," but the zoo reversed course and posted the date of Feb. 21 on its Facebook page Monday morning.

Bao Bao will be flown to China on a FedEx plane. A keeper and veterinarian from the National Zoo will accompany her to keep her calm.

You can watch Bao Bao 24/7 on the Panda Cam 1 until her departure. More information on the "Bye Bye, Bao Bao" events can be found here.

Image via National Zoo