FedEx to Safely Transport Smithsonian National Zoo’s Beloved Pandas Back to China

Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian National Zoo recently revealed its partnership with FedEx to facilitate the safe return of the cherished panda duo, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, to their homeland in China. This heartwarming announcement comes as the pandas prepare for their journey back to China in mid-November.

FedEx, a trusted logistics leader, has played a pivotal role in supporting panda conservation efforts. Heather Holder, representing FedEx, shared, “FedEx has actually transported 15 pandas on 10 separate flights over the past two decades,” highlighting the company’s longstanding commitment to panda preservation.

The upcoming 19-hour flight will ensure the pandas’ comfort and well-being throughout their journey. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, renowned for their charming antics and the successful birth of four cubs during their stay in Washington, will be accompanied by an array of 60-80 pounds of bamboo and their favorite treats to make the flight as pleasant as possible.

More than 50,000 aviation enthusiasts tracked FedEx Flight 9758 on Nov. 8, as the freighter transported three giant pandas from Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C., for a 19-hour journey to Chengdu, China, with a refueling stop in Anchorage.

This significant endeavor not only celebrates the enduring friendship between the Smithsonian National Zoo and FedEx but also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding the precious giant panda population. As Mei Xiang and Tian Tian embark on this extraordinary adventure, their legacy as beloved cultural ambassadors continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, fedex.com