The China Wildlife Conservation Association announced on 24/4 that male giant panda Ping Ping and female giant panda Fu Shuang will reside at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia. This move continues a "special bond through giant pandas between the people of the two countries for over 20 years," following a research agreement signed last year between the association and the US zoo.

The new pandas originate from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province, southwest China. Zoo Atlanta has been preparing for their arrival by renovating their habitat to be "more comfortable and safer," according to Chinese officials.

"Zoo Atlanta is pleased and honored to once again be entrusted with the care of this rare species," said Raymond B. King, President of Zoo Atlanta. "We eagerly look forward to meeting Ping Ping and Fu Shuang."

Giant pandas Ping Ping (left) and Fu Shuang. *Photo: China Daily*

This announcement comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next month. On 24/4, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the new agreement "will contribute to improving giant panda welfare and fostering friendship between the two peoples."

Zoo Atlanta previously welcomed its first pair of giant pandas, Yang Yang and Lun Lun, in 1999. Under a 25-year agreement, they birthed 7 cubs and returned to China with their two youngest offspring in 2024, when the agreement concluded.

Beijing has practiced "panda diplomacy" since 1972, when the first giant pandas were sent to Washington as a gift after US President Richard Nixon's visit to China. This tradition has seen a recent resurgence, with new pandas arriving in the US after a significant hiatus.

In 11/2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping met then-US President Joe Biden, announcing Beijing would send new giant pandas as "envoys of friendship between the two peoples." By 8/2024, the San Diego Zoo in California welcomed two new pandas, marking China's first panda delivery to the US in 21 years. Later, in 1/2025, Bao Li and Qing Bao, a pair of giant pandas from China, debuted to the public at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington and received a warm welcome.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)