Journey of Two Pandas to Atlanta Begins
CHENGDU, China — Though they have never met, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are set for a remarkable blind date as they prepare for a journey of nearly 13,000 miles to their new home in Atlanta.
The Departure from Chengdu
This long trek will take Ping Ping and Fu Shuang from their current residence in Chengdu, a bustling city of over 20 million in southwestern China.
Character and Preferences
Ping Ping has a penchant for bamboo, while Fu Shuang, whose name translates to “double happiness,” is known for her cheerful yet timid demeanor. In addition to bamboo, she enjoys snacking on apples and resting her chin on her feet.
Transitioning to a New Habitat
Before arriving in the United States, the pair will be temporarily relocated to another panda base further south, preparing for their big move.
Public Interest in the Pandas
Details of the Transfer
While specific travel dates have yet to be confirmed, the pandas will embark on this journey as part of a new 10-year conservation agreement established before President Donald Trump’s visit to China. Zoo Atlanta expressed its enthusiasm in continuing conservation efforts alongside the China Wildlife Conservation Society.
Zoo Atlanta Welcomes the Pandas
Raymond B. King, Zoo Atlanta’s president and CEO, stated, “We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and welcome our members, guests, and local communities back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.” The zoo has a history of popular panda residents, including Lun Lun and Yang Yang, who were beloved attractions during their 25-year stay before returning to China in 2024.
China’s Control Over Panda Distribution
China is the sole habitat for giant pandas in the wild and exercises strict control over their international distribution. The Chinese government leases pandas to other countries while retaining ownership, even over any cubs born abroad.
Recent Panda Transfers as Diplomatic Gestures
Recently, China has resumed sending pandas to the U.S. as gestures of goodwill. In June 2024, two pandas arrived in San Diego, marking the first such transfer in over two decades. Four months later, another pair, Bao Li and Qing Bao, was sent to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Political Implications of Panda Exchanges
A loss of panda privileges can signal diplomatic strains, as evidenced by Japan’s last panda being returned to China in January amid deteriorating relations. Although the upcoming transfer is not directly related to President Trump’s visit, it bears historical resemblance to 1972, when Mao Zedong gifted two pandas to commemorate Nixon’s historic trip to China.
Reporting Contributors
This story features contributions from Janis Mackey Frayer and Dawn Liu in Chengdu, China, along with Jay Ganglani in Hong Kong.
