On Sunday, September 27, 2026, a chartered flight left Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province at 2:55 a.m., carrying two Chinese giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to Zoo Atlanta in the United States. The arrival marked the beginning of a 10‑year stay for the pair, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
Before taking off, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding held a farewell ceremony to bid goodbye to the pandas. Ping Ping, a sturdy yet agile male born on March 17, 2020, and Fu Shuang, a chubby, vivacious female born on October 18, 2020, were the subjects of the event. The ceremony underscored the importance of their upcoming international transfer and the strong ties between China and the United States in panda conservation.
To ensure the pandas’ safety and comfort during the trans‑Pacific journey, the Chinese team developed a detailed transportation plan and prepared ample supplies of fresh bamboo shoots, bamboo, apples and emergency medications. Prior to departure, the pandas underwent transport acclimation training designed to reduce anxiety and stress, a routine step in international panda transfers.
Senior veterinarians and keepers from the United States accompanied the pandas on the flight, monitoring their health in real time and attending to their dietary needs. At the same time, two teams of Chinese veterinarians and keepers travelled to Zoo Atlanta in advance to make necessary preparations for the pandas’ arrival and to support the American staff during the transition.
During the flight, cabin temperature and humidity will be maintained within a comfortable range for the pandas. After landing in Atlanta, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will undergo quarantine and health checks. Chinese veterinarians and keepers will remain at the zoo throughout the quarantine period to care for the pandas and help them adapt to their new surroundings through acclimation and behavioral training.
Chinese experts and Zoo Atlanta have been collaborating on upgrading the zoo’s panda facilities since December 2025. Multiple online and in‑person meetings have focused on enhancing housing, enrichment, and monitoring systems. The renovations feature a significantly expanded indoor exhibit area, new enrichment items such as climbing structures, rock platforms and a pool, and an upgraded monitoring system that delivers more comprehensive real‑time information on conditions inside and outside the enclosures.
In mid‑September, Chinese experts conducted an on‑site inspection and acceptance check of the upgraded facilities, confirming that they meet the high standards required for a long‑term panda habitat.
Food supplies for the pandas are a key component of the partnership. Zoo Atlanta can obtain a variety of edible bamboo locally, as the area’s climate is similar to that of Chengdu. Fresh bamboo can be harvested year‑round, ensuring an adequate supply for the two pandas, according to the Chinese experts.
China and Zoo Atlanta have maintained a cooperative research relationship for more than two decades, carrying out over 30 research projects and publishing more than 50 academic papers. The collaboration has yielded significant breakthroughs in panda breeding, cub rearing, behavioral studies and disease prevention and control. Together, the two sides have successfully bred seven pandas, a notable achievement in international panda breeding cooperation.
Beyond scientific exchange, the partnership has facilitated extensive academic and people‑to‑people interactions, helping foster mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and American peoples. The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang at Zoo Atlanta thus represents not only a milestone in panda conservation but also a continuing symbol of international collaboration and goodwill.
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