Zoo Atlanta received two giant pandas, Ping Ping (M) and Fu Shuang (F), from Chengdu on September 27 via a FedEx Boeing 777 flight donated by the carrier. The pandas will live at Zoo Atlanta under a conservation agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association and are currently in quarantine for about a month. Both were born in 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base, and the zoo says a public debut date will be announced after they acclimate.
Two Giant Pandas Return to Atlanta: Ping Ping and Fu Shuang Arrive at Zoo Atlanta
Image Credit: Lukas W. on Unsplash.
Zoo Atlanta welcomed two giant pandas back to the city on September 27, marking the animals' return after nearly two years away. The pair, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, flew from Chengdu, China, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on a special FedEx Boeing 777 known as the Panda Express, with FedEx donating the transport.
Transport, Quarantine and Public Viewing
Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are currently off public view. Zoo Atlanta says the pandas will spend roughly a month in quarantine and acclimation before being introduced to visitors. During that time animal care staff will monitor their health, behavior and adaptation to their new surroundings. An exact date for their public debut has not yet been announced; visitors should check Zoo Atlanta's website for updates.
About the Pandas
Ping Ping is a male born March 17, 2020, at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. His name is shared with his twin brother and conveys a blessing for a smooth, healthy life. Fu Shuang is a female born October 18, 2020, at the same facility; her name is derived from Fu Lu and expresses a wish for happiness.
Care During Transit
Both pandas traveled in specially designed transport crates accompanied by Zoo Atlanta animal care specialists. They were the only cargo on the nonstop flight from Chengdu, and traveled with fresh bamboo, water and familiar treats. Zoo staff worked with the animals ahead of departure to help them acclimate to their crates and the travel routine. FedEx noted this mission was its 23rd panda transport to or from China since 2000, reflecting a long history of supporting panda moves.
Zoo Atlanta's Panda Legacy
Zoo Atlanta has prior experience with giant panda care. Lun Lun and Yang Yang arrived in 1999 and lived at the zoo for 25 years, producing seven offspring between 2006 and 2016, including two sets of twins. Lun Lun, Yang Yang and their youngest daughters Ya Lun and Xi Lun departed Atlanta for China on October 12, 2024. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang begin the next chapter of the zoo's panda program under a new conservation agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
Why it matters: The arrival reinforces international conservation collaboration and keeps Zoo Atlanta among the few U.S. institutions hosting giant pandas. The animals' presence supports public education and species conservation efforts.
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