A SPECIALLY-chartered aircraft was used to move a panda from the US to Chengdu in China.
Four-year-old Bei Bei is moving from the Smithsonian National Zoo.
Working together with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, FedEx Express donated its logistics services and operational strength to the cause.
Bei Bei, a male panda born in 2015 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, is the offspring of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, both living in the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Accompanied by one panda keeper and one vet, Bei Bei was placed in a special crate provided by FedEx and travelled on a custom-decaled FedEx Express 777 freighter nonstop from Dulles International Airport to Chengdu, with a supply of his favourite treats, including 66 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of apples and pears, two bags of leafeater biscuits, two pounds of cooked sweet potatoes and water.
Bei Bei was said to be enjoying his meal before he got on board the Panda Express in the U.S.
“We are honoured to again be part of a truly special mission,” said Karen Reddington, FedEx Express Asia Pacific president.
“The successful transportation of Bei Bei underscores the company’s commitment to safely and securely transporting even the world’s most precious cargo.”
“We are proud to have once again served as the trusted carrier, which is a testament to our operational strength and ability to handle highly sophisticated shipments that need special attention and requirements. We are looking forward to seeing Bei Bei adapt well to his new environment.”
FedEx previously donated a dedicated aircraft to bring Bei Bei’s sister Bao Bao to China in 2017.
Their brother, Tai Shan, was brought back to China in 2010, and their parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were sent to the United States in 2000.
