Giant pandas arrive in Atlanta from China as ‘envoys of friendship’

29 Sep 2026 • 12:00 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Giant pandas arrive in Atlanta from China as ‘envoys of friendship’

  • Two giant pandas named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have arrived at Zoo Atlanta after travelling thousands of miles from Chengdu, China, aboard a specially chartered FedEx flight as part of China's panda diplomacy.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the loan during a high-stakes state visit to the United States for talks with President Trump, hailing the animals as envoys of friendship between the two nations.
  • The pair were transported in custom-built crates aboard the FedEx Panda Express alongside dedicated supplies of bamboo, water, and treats, with FedEx donating all transportation costs to support conservation efforts.
  • Zoo Atlanta Chief Executive Raymond B. King welcomed the historic arrival, which continues critical giant panda conservation work following the conclusion of the zoo's previous 25-year panda loan agreement earlier in 2024.
  • Both pandas will now undergo a month-long routine quarantine in a biosecure area before public viewing dates are announced, with wildlife officials expressing hopes that the pair will mate naturally.

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