Tai Shan , a 4-year-old giant panda , is to be delivered to China next week . A farewell party was held at the National Zoo in Washington on Saturday . ` It 's very important to get Tai Shan into the breeding population to help conserve the species in general . The zoo said it would not release any more pandas until after they are given their new homes and acclimated with humans. They will take part in a breeding program aimed at increasing China 's panda population .
Tai Shan , a 4-year-old giant panda , is to be delivered to China next week . A farewell party was held at the National Zoo in Washington on Saturday . The zoo said it would not release any more pandas until after they are given their new homes and acclimated with humans. They will take part in a breeding program aimed at increasing China 's panda population .