Bao Bao, the giant panda at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. has been a favorite for patrons. But, she is leaving for China in the middle of February.

CGTN’s Nathan King reports.

As she is now reaching breeding age, the giant panda will be going to Chengdu and will help bring in the new generation of this beloved animal that has only recently been removed from the endangered species list.

It’s a bitter sweet moment for her keepers in Washington — they will miss her but their job is done.

There’s a week of goodbye celebrations for Bao Bao — at the zoo and online with special treats and even an event where her keepers will pack this famous panda’s bags for her big trip.

Bao Bao won’t be travelling alone as one of the keepers from the National Zoo will travel with her and help her settle in in Chengdu.