Community Corner
Bye Bye, Bao Bao: Huge Crowds Swarm National Zoo in DC to Say Goodbye
Bao Bao the panda is set to leave on Tuesday, and heavy traffic has been reported in the area of the National Zoo this weekend.
WASHINGTON, DC — Nothing quite gets a reaction out of D.C. folks quite like panda news, which is why it's not surprising that huge crowds are being reported around the National Zoo on the second to last day before Bao Bao leaves D.C. for China.
Cars jammed Connecticut Avenue and throngs of people filled the sidewalks Sunday to catch a glimpse of the nearly 4-year-old panda before she departs on Tuesday.
Traffic maps showed that the roads around the zoo were completely jammed, despite no accidents and beautiful weather. So if you plan on seeing Bao Bao on Sunday or Monday, you'd be wise to leave early and use the Metro instead of driving.
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Bao Bao is part of a collaborative breeding program between the United States and China. Under the agreement, pandas born at the zoo through the program are sent to China before the reach the age of 4.
UPDATE: Connecticut Ave NW still jammed. Will add 32m to your drive #DCTraffic https://t.co/tUn5RRuWyW pic.twitter.com/ONclcFI23b
— Unusual Traffic DC (@WazeTrafficDC) February 19, 2017
It's panda-monium trying to get into the @NationalZoo today! Connecticut Avenue (and sidewalks) are jammed in both directions. @WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/2Slf5UX65e
— Brandon Millman (@BrandonMillman) February 19, 2017
Folks already waiting to see Bao Bao. The sweet panda cub leaves Tuesday for China. TBD if there will be a panda cam there @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/VgaKuXoaQP
— Janice Park (@JaniceparkNews) February 19, 2017
Image via National Zoo
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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