National Zoo to bid Bei Bei, bye bye

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It's time to say goodbye to Bei Bei.

The National Zoo's beloved giant panda Bei Bei, has reached the age of four years old and that means, per tradition, it's time to move from Washington DC to China.

For the past week, the National Zoo has hosted a series of celebratory events inviting the general public to bid the panda goodbye, including a Postcard Station next to Bei Bei's outdoor habitat, where guests wrote post cards that will be mailed to Bei Bei in China.

The Embassy of China threw a 'dumpling party' for humans.

and There's even a social media challenge with the hastag #BeiBeiMixTape, where you can recommend your favorite songs for his long flight to China.

But Bei Bei isn't flying coach. He's going out in a specially outfitted Boeing 777F, flown by FedEx.

The National zoo has collaborated with Chinese scientists on a breeding program since it received its first pandas in 1972 following President Richard Nixon's visit to China. As part of the program, pandas return to China at 4 years old so that they can breed when they reach maturity at 5 years old.

And that time has come. On Tuesday the 19th, the National Zoo will have a late opening to accomodate departure preparations, and you'll be able to see him enjoy one of his favorite treats, before the precious cargo is off to Beijing.