As snow fell in Washington, D.C., hundreds came to Smithsonian´s National Zoo to say farewell to Tai Shan, a four and an half year old male giant panda, which was born at the facility.

Under an agreement with the Chinese government which brought Tai Shan´s parents to Washington, it was agreed that any offspring would be sent to China to enter a breeding program.

But during his years at the American zoo, Tai Shan became wildly popular.

A special travel crate, and even a special aircraft have been prepared for the long journey to China. And Tai Shan won´t be traveling alone.

Many zoo visitors said that while it was difficult to see the animal go, they were happy that Tai Shan would soon be paired with a female panda in China.

At Zoo Atlanta in the state of Georgia, some visited with three-year-old female panda Mei Lan for the final time before she departs. Mei Lan, who is actually Tai Shan´s cousin, is the only giant panda ever born in Atlanta.

The two pandas are scheduled to depart the United States on Thursday, February 4th.