Giant Pandas Arrive in Atlanta From China as Part of Renewed Diplomacy
Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived in Atlanta from Chengdu aboard a dedicated FedEx flight, reviving panda diplomacy following a US-China summit.
Two giant pandas, a six-year-old male named Ping Ping and a five-year-old female named Fu Shuang, have arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, following a special air journey from Chengdu, China. The pair were flown to the United States aboard a dedicated FedEx cargo aircraft as part of an ongoing partnership between the shipping giant and Zoo Atlanta.
Panda Diplomacy and US-China Relations
This high-profile transfer follows a promise made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit with US President Donald Trump. During their meeting at the White House, the Chinese leader declared that a pair of giant pandas would be transferred from China to the Atlanta zoo, reviving panda diplomacy and warming ties between the global superpowers.
FedEx covered the full transportation costs for the journey, ensuring the pandas traveled comfortably with a fresh supply of bamboo, water, and their favorite treats. The animals were accompanied by zoo professionals throughout the direct flight.
"We have the privilege and responsibility of transporting giant pandas for more than two decades," said Richard W. Smith, COO and CEO of Airline at FedEx.
Safe Arrival and Future Public Debut
After landing in Atlanta, the pandas were safely transported by ground to Zoo Atlanta, where they will undergo an acclimation and quarantine period before making their public debut later this year. FedEx has a long-standing history of wildlife conservation, having safely transported 23 giant pandas since 2000.
