Photo by [Anna.W]

If you’ve been putting it off, wait no longer. Sneak out of the office right now and get on up to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, because Tai Shan is leaving in the morning. Animal exhibits are typically only open until 4:30 p.m. in the winter months, so time is fleeting.

DCist will be on hand tomorrow to watch our beloved Butterstick get loaded up into his traveling crate and depart for Dulles International Airport. There, he’ll board his personalized FedEx plane, and travel 14 hours to China. Check back with us in the morning for complete coverage of Tai’s departure, and follow us on Twitter for live updates. The Zoo will be opening late to the public on Thursday due to the move.