Tai Shan (tie-SHON), the National Zoo’s giant panda, will depart for China on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 4. Details will be provided at this press briefing Thursday, Jan. 28, including how Tai Shan is being prepared for the journey, and the logistics for his transport.

Under the National Zoo’s agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, Tai Shan, now 4 1/2 years old, will be sent to Wolong’s Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an, Sichuan. National Zoo experts will be on hand to answer questions as the Zoo—and the Washington community—prepare to celebrate Tai Shan’s final week in the nation’s capital.