Panda cub Bei Bei leaves for new life in China

Gordon said she had visited Bei Bei more than 40 times over the past four years and liked watching him do somersaults in the snow.

"The pandas live alone — they are so isolated — but Bei Bei seems to be so content and happy. So, when I moved here and I was feeling lonely, I looked at Bei Bei, and saw he was very happy to be on his own."

An area was being set up next to Bei Bei's outdoor habitat where well-wishers can write postcards to him in China.

Gordon wrote on hers: "We are so sad that you're leaving (Washington) DC, but we're excited for the next chapter in your life. We hope you love your new home in China, and we hope to visit you there someday. Thank you for being our friend."

In recent weeks, panda keepers at the zoo had made preparations to ensure Bei Bei was comfortable and safe during the 16-hour journey to China, which was scheduled to depart around noon Tuesday.

According to a zoo statement, the preparations included getting the cub used to a travel crate, first by training him to walk through it, then spending time inside with the door closed.

During Bei Bei's trip to China, the two were to continuously monitor him. Bei Bei was sent with a supply of his favorite treats, including 66 pounds of bamboo, 2 pounds of apples and pears, two bags of leaf eater biscuits, 2 pounds of cooked sweet potatoes, and water, according to the zoo statement.