Zoo Atlanta sets date for pandas' 1st public appearance

Zoo Atlanta announced on Tuesday that two newly arrived giant pandas will make their first appearance in a new habitat on Nov 6.

The new habitat is named the Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove in honor of Arthur Blank's longtime support of the zoo's giant panda program that dates back to 1999 with the arrival of the original panda pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang.

The giant panda habitat has been completely renovated with $6 million in funds provided by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, another supporter of Zoo Atlanta and the giant panda program.

"The return of giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta is an exciting moment for our city as we once again become home to one of the world's most beloved animals," said Arthur Blank in a statement. "As a lifelong animal lover, I've always believed in the importance of caring for and protecting the animals that share our world, and this is what makes our Foundation's support of this effort especially meaningful to me."

Blank said that the grove will give visitors the chance to experience these remarkable animals up close, while advancing conservation research, education and global efforts to protect giant pandas "for generations to come".

During his recent state visit to the United States, President Xi Jinping announced that the new pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, would arrive at Zoo Atlanta "in a few days". He described the giant panda as "an envoy of friendship" between the Chinese and US people.

The giant panda complex has been entirely redesigned, with tranquil surroundings promoting a contemplative experience. New additions include water features with aquatic flora and a dramatic sculpture celebrating a hopeful future for wildlife and the role of the giant panda as a global animal ambassador for peace and harmony.

New experiences

The updated habitat is designed with giant panda well-being as well as new experiences for visitors in mind. The giant panda dayrooms have been expanded and upgraded to include new climbing structures and a pool in each. The outdoor habitat also features new climbing structures.

The new residents — male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang — were born in China at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on March 17, 2020, and Oct 18, 2020, respectively. They arrived at Zoo Atlanta on Sept 27 aboard the "FedEx Panda Express". They are undergoing a routine quarantine period of around a month.

Zoo Atlanta's original giant panda agreement with China, which started in 1999 and concluded in 2024, produced seven offspring born to Lun Lun and Yang Yang between 2006 and 2016.

Zoo Atlanta is elated to share the joy of introducing the giant pandas to the public beginning Nov 6, said its president and CEO Raymond King.

"This is a thrilling day for Zoo Atlanta and a historic moment for the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and beyond," King said in a statement. "Zoo Atlanta is honored to partner with the China Wildlife Conservation Association to see important work continue toward the conservation of giant pandas, which is the most important benefit of guarding this species."

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com