Giant Pandas Arrive at Zoo Atlanta as Visitors Welcome Their Return

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, have arrived at Zoo Atlanta in the United States, drawing excitement from visitors who came to welcome the animals even before they are available for public viewing.

The pandas arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on September 27 aboard a specially arranged FedEx Boeing 777 aircraft. They are in Atlanta under a new cooperative research agreement on giant panda conservation.

A Warm Welcome in Atlanta

News of the pandas’ arrival quickly attracted visitors to Zoo Atlanta. Some people came to the zoo specifically hoping to catch a glimpse of the new arrivals, while others brought their children to share the experience.

The return has particular meaning for local visitors because Zoo Atlanta’s previous giant pandas returned to China in 2024. The new arrivals mark the return of giant pandas to the zoo after nearly two years. :contentReference

Meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang

Ping Ping is a male giant panda born in China on March 17, 2020. Fu Shuang is a female born on October 18, 2020. Both were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Zoo Atlanta said the two pandas are settling into their new surroundings and eating well as they adjust to their new home.

Visitors Will Have to Wait

Although the pandas have already arrived, visitors cannot see them yet. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are undergoing a routine quarantine period in a biosecure area of the zoo’s new giant panda complex.

The quarantine is expected to last about one month. Zoo Atlanta has not yet announced the exact date when the pandas will make their public debut. :contentReference

A New Chapter for Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta said the pandas are part of a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The agreement allows the pandas to stay in Atlanta for 10 years while supporting ongoing work related to giant panda conservation and research. :contentReference

Sources

• Zoo Atlanta — “The Giant Pandas Have Landed!” — September 27, 2026.
• ABC News — “1st look at 1 of Zoo Atlanta’s new giant pandas Fu Shuang” — September 30, 2026.
• CBS News Atlanta — “Excitement builds as giant pandas prepare to make their debut at Zoo Atlanta” — September 28, 2026.