Zoo Atlanta president: Reunion with giant pandas after long absence is exciting

After two years, the Atlanta Zoo in the United States once again welcomes Chinese giant pandas.

On September 27, local time, giant pandas Pingping and Fushuang arrived at the Atlanta Zoo in the United States. According to arrangements between China and the United States, the pair of giant pandas will begin a 10-year sojourn at Zoo Atlanta.

China and the Atlanta Zoo in the United States have been conducting cooperative research on giant panda conservation for more than 20 years, and have achieved a series of important results. A total of 5 giant pandas have been bred alive and 7 cubs have been bred.

On September 28, Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta, said in an interview with the media that Atlanta and giant pandas have a deep connection, and the arrival of “Ping Ping” and “Fu Shuang” is of great significance to the zoo and the city of Atlanta.

Raymond B. King:

• The arrival on the 27th was not just two new giant pandas, but for us, this was a reunion after a long absence. Giant pandas have distinctive characteristics and are loved by everyone in Atlanta. It’s really exciting to be able to bring this beauty back to Atlanta. This is a credit to this city and to Zoo Atlanta. There are only three zoos in the United States where you can see giant pandas, and we are one of them.
• The whole process (of giant pandas going to the United States) was very smooth, and the atmosphere of cooperation between China and the United States is also very friendly. In fact, several Chinese colleagues have already arrived in advance to ensure that all panda habitats that have undergone large-scale transformation meet relevant standards. They are currently in Atlanta and are expected to stay for several more months to ensure the smooth implementation of the handover and transition work.
• Giant pandas have a unique charm that can make people stop and feel the surprise and joy. This also tells us that this beauty and the desire to protect the earth can be passed down from generation to generation across borders.

Zoo Atlanta has not yet announced the specific time when giant pandas “Ping Ping” and “Fu Shuang” will meet the public. It is understood that the two giant pandas will take more than a month to adjust and adapt to the new environment.