Xi announces two giant pandas for Atlanta Zoo

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Thursday that two giant pandas will be sent to Atlanta Zoo in the US as an "envoy of friendship," marking a new step in bilateral conservation cooperation. The pandas, male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang, will arrive from Chengdu under an agreement between the zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Atlanta Zoo president Raymond B. King expressed excitement, while China's foreign ministry highlighted benefits for biodiversity and bilateral ties. Atlanta's previous panda agreement ended in 2024, with its pandas returning to China. No arrival date has been confirmed, though the zoo is preparing facilities with Chinese expert guidance. Pandas have symbolized US-China friendship since 1972.