Giant panda family heads for China(1/6)

A ground crew member walks away from the "FedEx Panda Express" aircraft with giant pandas Xiao Qi Ji, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang onboard prior to their return trip to China at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo/Agencies)

The aircraft will make a stopover in Alaska for refueling before reaching Sichuan Province, with the entire flight lasting approximately 19 hours. Two keepers and a veterinarian will accompany the three pandas, all of which are in good health.

A crate holding a giant panda is loaded onto the "FedEx Panda Express" aircraft prior to giant pandas Xiao Qi Ji, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang's return trip to China at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo/Agencies)

Zoo workers carry bamboo to a truck as the giant pandas begin their journey from Smithsonian’s National Zoo to return to China, in Washington, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo/Agencies)

The "FedEx Panda Express" aircraft takes off with giant pandas Xiao Qi Ji, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang onboard for their return trip to China at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023. (Photo/Agencies)

Bamboo is transported by forklift to a waiting truck as the giant pandas begin their journey from Smithsonian’s National Zoo to return to China, in Washington, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023.

Bamboo is transported by forklift to a waiting truck as the giant pandas begin their journey from Smithsonian’s National Zoo to return to China, in Washington, U.S., Nov. 8, 2023.