Two giant pandas sent by China have arrived in the United States, with the pair landing in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday. Their arrival comes shortly after a high-profile meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
The pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, left Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a chartered flight at about 3:00 am local time on Saturday. China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that the animals reached Atlanta shortly before 7:00 am local time on Sunday after a 16-hour journey.
The transfer had already been agreed between China and the United States. However, Chinese authorities announced the pandas’ departure during Xi’s visit to Washington, giving the arrival added diplomatic symbolism.
Pandas Begin 10-Year Stay in Atlanta
The two pandas will spend the next 10 years at Zoo Atlanta under an agreement with China. The zoo previously hosted Chinese pandas for 25 years, beginning in 1999, but had been without the animals since 2024.
Zoo Atlanta has renovated its panda facilities ahead of their arrival. It has also prepared a team of specialist animal caretakers to look after the pair.
The zoo has secured a long-term supply of bamboo as well. Much of the bamboo will be grown locally in Atlanta, where officials say the climate is suitable for the plants.
US keepers with experience caring for pandas also accompanied Ping Ping and Fu Shuang during their journey, according to Chinese state media.
Special Care During the Long Flight
The pandas traveled aboard a Boeing 777 operated by FedEx. The aircraft attracted significant attention during the journey and became the most tracked flight on FlightRadar24 as it approached Alaska.
Chinese state media said the animals were provided with food throughout the trip. Their supplies included steamed corn buns, bamboo shoots and carrots.
Before leaving China, the pandas attended a farewell ceremony at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Ping Ping, the male panda, was born in 2020 and is now six years old. Fu Shuang, the female, was also born in 2020 and will turn six next month. Giant pandas in captivity can typically live for about 30 years.
China’s Long-Running Panda Diplomacy
The arrival continues China’s long-running practice of sending pandas overseas as symbols of friendship and diplomatic goodwill.
The animals have become an important part of China’s international cultural diplomacy. Their popularity also makes panda exchanges highly visible events between Beijing and other governments.
China famously sent a pair of pandas to the United States in 1972 after President Richard Nixon made his historic visit to China.
The latest transfer comes as Beijing and Washington continue to manage a complex relationship. Although the recent leaders’ summit produced limited major breakthroughs, the pandas have provided a highly symbolic moment of cooperation.
China has also used panda loans in other diplomatic relationships. Earlier this year, Beijing recalled two pandas from Japan after tensions increased between the two countries over comments concerning a possible conflict involving Taiwan.
