RantCrush Top 5: February 21, 2017

Today, giant panda Bao Bao–born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. three years ago–is moving to China. The zoo is part of a cooperative breeding program with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, which requires all panda cubs born at the zoo to go to China by their fourth birthday. There, they can breed with other pandas and keep the population healthy and genetically diverse. The zoo organized an opportunity for panda lovers to say goodbye and presented Bao Bao with a huge cake in the shape of a Chinese pagoda.

Always and Forever, Bao Bao!!@pinkypanda0823 @BaoBaoPanda @houseofcubs pic.twitter.com/AqPmiEUtZe

— Bao Bao Supporter (@BaoBaoSupporter) February 21, 2017

The keeper who has been working with Bao Bao since she was born will accompany her on the 16-hour flight. Bao Bao’s carry-on luggage includes 50 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of cooked sweet potatoes, two pounds of apples, and 10 gallons of water, honey water, and sugar cane. Obviously we wish Bao Bao all the best, but we’ll sure miss her!

All the Bao Bao “awwww” moments, now in one video! 🐼 Learn how you can say #ByeByeBaoBao >> https://t.co/Q9goEWbuSP pic.twitter.com/2QFcjrMj8q

— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) February 16, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.