China's giant pandas make public debut at US zoo

Zoo visitors marveled at the public debut of giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang at Zoo Atlanta on Friday. The duo, on loan from China, engaged in playful activities such as chewing bamboo and lounging in their new habitat. The animals arrived from Chengdu in September via a FedEx flight, affectionately dubbed the "Panda Express."

Zoo Atlanta plans to host the pandas for the next decade. CEO Raymond King emphasized the unique ability of pandas to inspire curiosity, passion, joy, and unity across the globe. Zoo Atlanta prepared for the pandas' arrival by renovating facilities and assembling a dedicated team of animal caretakers. The facility ensured a stable supply of locally grown bamboo, which shares a climate similar to Chengdu.

Zoo visitors, like Rachel Totts, expressed their delight, noting that pandas consistently evoke smiles and joy. Initially, Atlanta hosted pandas on loan from China since 1999; however, the city has not had pandas since 2024. The pandas' presence highlights China's "panda diplomacy" program aimed at fostering international relations.

Alongside the pandas, top US officials called on China to adhere to a trade agreement established in October 2025, which involved China purchasing US soybeans while suspending export controls on rare earths. Prior to 2016, pandas were considered endangered; however, they are now classified as vulnerable by wildlife advocates, with an estimated 1,800 pandas residing in the wild.

China has established over 50 panda reserves for conservation, yet these bears continue to face threats from habitat loss and poaching.