Giant Pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang Arrive at Zoo Atlanta for 10-Year Stay

Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived at Zoo Atlanta on Sunday morning, drawing visitors who made special trips to the zoo to welcome them, even though the pair will not be able to meet the public right away.

The two pandas departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 02:55 on Sunday. As planned, they will stay in the United States for 10 years as part of a cooperative research program for giant panda conservation.

Upon their arrival, zoo visitors were filled with excitement. Many Atlanta residents still remember the panda family that previously stayed at the zoo before returning in 2024.

"I saw them. I got to see them one time when they were here last time and we're excited. It's my wife's favorite animal, so she'll be very excited to have an opportunity to see him because she wasn't here last time, she didn't get to see him," said a visitor.

"I'm really excited. We managed to catch the last ones before they left, so I'm glad they're coming back, especially with our baby here, Rena. I'm excited to show her the pandas when they are available to see," said another visitor.

Ping Ping, the male panda born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to his large, dark eye rims. His name, together with that of his brother An'an, comes from the wish for them to be safe and sound throughout their lives. He has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches.

Fu Shuang, the female panda born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on her head and a full, protruding forehead. Her name comes from her mother, Fu Lu, and carries the meaning of both fortune and prosperity. With a round appearance, she is quick to react and very capable of foraging for food.

According to the Chinese side, both Chinese and U.S. veterinarians and keepers conducted a joint examination and confirmed that the two pandas are in good health. They have begun a routine quarantine period of about one month before making their debut to the public.