- Tweeter
republish
" Bye bye Bei Bei! A panda born in the Washington Zoo flies away on Tuesday, November 19 for China, as planned before it came into the world, in accordance with the rules of "panda diplomacy".
With our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet
Wearing black and white hats with small ears, some excited children observe Bei Bei on the eve of his departure. The panda quietly chews on its bamboo stalk.
Samantha came with her baby to say goodbye. " My daughter and I fell in love with the pandas. We have seen Bei Bei grow up, and it's very, very sad. We love him so much, "she says.
At four, it's time for Bei Bei to return to China. It was provided for in the contract with Beijing. Pamela Baker Masson, employee of the Washington Zoo is therefore a reason.
" It's a bit sad for us because he was born here, but at the same time, it's really important, because he goes to China to enter a breeding program ," she says. .
How will Bei Bei travel? " He's going to fly in first class, he's already learned how to get into a box and he's very comfortable in it! Pamela Baker laughs.
Does she think Bei Bei can help end the trade war between Washington and Beijing with panda diplomacy ? " No war for giant pandas, that's for sure! "
Bei Bei will travel with his favorite food: apples, pears, sweet potatoes and 15 kilograms of bamboo. " Bye bye Bei Bei! »,« Bye bye baby! "Intone the children in front of the enclosure.
► See also: Does the panda's diplomacy really benefit its protection?