WHAT: Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for “Bye Bye, Bao Bao,” a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bao Bao (BOW-BOW) before she departs for China.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 16 to Monday, Feb. 20. See the complete schedule of online and onsite events.

Thursday, Feb. 16 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Zoo staff available for individual interviews

WHERE: Online and on-site.

Online: #ByeByeBaoBao and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter. RSVP to the Facebook event.

On-site:
David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
(Note: Media requesting to film daily enrichment should call (202) 633-3055 to make arrangements)

WHO: Giant panda Bao Bao and the Zoo’s panda team 

Giant panda Bao Bao will be celebrated with a series of events from Feb. 16 to 20. As part of the festivities, Panda Cam 1 will show Bao Bao 24/7, and she will receive twice-daily enrichment. That week, fans can also tune into Facebook Live broadcasts and participate in a Reddit AMA or “Ask Me Anything” with giant panda scientists and animal care experts. As part of the cooperative breeding program between the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all cubs born at the Zoo move to China before turning 4 years old. Learn more about Bao Bao’s trip to China. A private event for members of Friends of the National Zoo will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.

FOR MEDIA USE:

Photos: Giant panda Bao Bao album
Videos: Bao Bao YouTube playlist

MEDIA CONTACT: Annalisa Meyer | (202) 633-3081| meyeran@si.edu
Communications Office | (202) 633-3055

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