"Pingping" and "Fushuang" appear in Atlanta, Sino-US giant panda protection cooperation continues to a new chapter

After more than a month of adaptation period, the giant pandas "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang" living in the Atlanta Zoo in the United States officially met with tourists on the 6th.

That morning, Zoo Atlanta had not yet opened, and there was already a long line at the entrance. Passing through the panda-themed inflatable arch and along the trail led by customized posters of "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang", tourists trotted all the way to the Panda Pavilion. In order to welcome the arrival of "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang", the park invested US$6 million to upgrade the panda hall.

On November 6, local time, giant pandas "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang" visiting the United States made their debut at the Atlanta Zoo. The picture shows the male giant panda "Ping Ping". Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Mengtong

"We are very excited to welcome 'Pingping' and 'Fushuang' to their new home. They have adapted very well. They have been here for just over a month and have already completely settled in." Raymond Jin, director of Zoo Atlanta, told the China News Service reporter that the two giant pandas are very accustomed to the local bamboo. They are currently growing well and are exploring new habitats everywhere.

China and Zoo Atlanta began cooperative research on giant panda conservation in 1999. The giant pandas "Lun Lun" and "Yang Yang" who have returned to China in 2024 have bred a total of 5 live births and 7 cubs in the park, including two sets of twins, setting the best record for Sino-US giant panda breeding cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng attended the opening ceremony of the Panda Pavilion that day. He said in his speech that the names of the new pair of giant pandas embody the most sincere friendship of the Chinese people towards the American people and carry the best expectations for Sino-US relations. With the meaning of "pingping", I wish the two countries will enjoy eternal peace and the people to live and work in peace and contentment; with the meaning of "blessings", I wish China and the United States mutual benefit and win-win, and the people of China and the United States will have long-lasting happiness.

On November 6, local time, giant pandas "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang" visiting the United States made their debut at the Atlanta Zoo. The picture shows the female giant panda "Fu Shuang". Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Mengtong

Before meeting the tourists, the park prepared "housewarming gifts" for "Ping Ping" and "Fu Shuang" - a toy ball with an apple and an apple popsicle. After eating and playing, the two giant pandas sometimes took a nap lazily, and sometimes munched on bamboo. Tourists watched the cuteness of giant pandas up close, and the scene was filled with laughter.

"I've been looking forward to it for two years when I heard they were coming to this zoo," said Atlanta resident Jiya. "I like their little moves when they are playing and climbing the most. They are so cute!"

"Pingping" and "Fushuang" were both born in 2020. A 6-year-old giant panda is equivalent to a human being between 18 and 20 years old, which is the period of youth. According to arrangements between China and the United States, they will begin a 10-year sojourn at Zoo Atlanta.

Raymond King said that giant panda conservation cooperation is a great link that brings the people of the United States and China closer. "Many times we lack understanding of each other, but our love for giant pandas is a common happiness and a common pursuit of nature conservation. The past 25 years have been an incredible cooperative relationship. While we are proud of this, we are also full of expectations for the future." (End)