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A pair of giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 2:55 a.m. on September 27, 2026, heading for Zoo Atlanta in the United States to begin a 10-year international conservation and research cooperation program.

🐼 Meet the Pandas

  • Ping Ping (Male): Born on March 17, 2020. He is known for his large, dark eye patches, a sturdy build, and agility, particularly his skill in climbing trees.
  • Fu Shuang (Female): Born on October 18, 2020. She is recognizable by a small tuft of fluffy hair on her head and a slightly protruding forehead. She is described as responsive and has a strong ability to search for food.

✈️ Journey and Preparation

To ensure a safe and comfortable trans-Pacific journey, the Chinese team prepared a detailed transport plan.

  • In-flight Care: The team stocked fresh bamboo shoots, bamboo, apples, and emergency medicine. They also conducted transport adaptation training for the pandas in advance to reduce stress. A senior veterinarian and keeper from the U.S. accompanied the pandas on the flight to monitor their health and diet in real time.
  • On-Site Support: Two batches of Chinese veterinarians and keepers traveled to the zoo ahead of time to make preparations. Upon arrival in Atlanta, the pandas will undergo quarantine, during which Chinese staff will remain at the zoo to care for them and help them adapt to their new environment.

🏠 New Home at Zoo Atlanta

Chinese experts provided technical guidance to Zoo Atlanta for upgrading the pandas' enclosure.

  • Enclosure Upgrades: The renovated indoor exhibition area has significantly more space, with new enrichment facilities such as climbing frames, stone platforms, and pools. The monitoring system has also been upgraded.
  • Food Supply: Thanks to Atlanta's climate being similar to Chengdu's, the zoo can source a variety of edible bamboo locally year-round, ensuring a fresh supply for the pandas.

🤝 A History of Panda Diplomacy

The panda exchange between China and the U.S. dates back more than half a century. In April 1972, following President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China, two giant pandas, Ling Ling and Xing Xing, arrived in the U.S. and were welcomed by more than 8,000 Americans in the rain. Formal conservation cooperation began in 1994. Over the past three decades, the partnership has achieved significant breakthroughs in panda breeding, behavior, nutrition, and disease prevention. To date, pandas in the U.S. have successfully bred and raised 17 cubs.

The departure of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang marks another chapter in this enduring collaboration, which is expected to contribute further to global biodiversity protection and the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.