BYE BYE, BEI BEI: GIANT PANDA RETURNS TO CHINA
No cramped leg space and blah entertainment in coach for Bei Bei, the giant panda at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He was off to China on Tuesday —and he traveled in style.
As if flying in his own Boeing 777F private plane dubbed the Panda Express is not enough, handlers planned on feeding him his favorite treats during the trip. And the zoo asked for song recommendations for a mixtape for the long trip — just change the title of the original from “baby” to “Bei Bei.”
“Bei Bei, It’s You” and “Bei Bei, Love” were just a few of the suggestions.
Bei Bei was born at the zoo in 2015, and an agreement with China stipulates that all cubs born at the zoo must move to China at age 4, the zoo said on its website. He departed Tuesday from Washington Dulles International Airport, and his farewell has been quite the affair.
The zoo has been holding events since Monday to mark his departure and fans from all over the nation flocked there to say goodbye this weekend, CNN affiliate WJLA reported. And the zoo is sharing a video of Bei Bei’s most memorable moments.
“Bei Bei is part of our family,” said Steve Monfort, a zoo director. “Our team has cared for him, learned from him and, along with millions, loved watching him grow.”
FedEx put giant decals of a panda on the plane, just for Bei Bei’s ride. He was the only “cargo” on the direct flight, FedEx said on Twitter — not counting the 66 pounds of bamboo, snacks and water.