Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang flew from Chengdu to Atlanta aboard a dedicated FedEx Boeing 777-F. After a trans-Pacific journey, both were taken to Zoo Atlanta, where they will live under a 10-year conservation partnership. Visitors, however, won't get to meet the two 'new residents' right away: Ping Ping and Fu Shuang must first spend about a month in quarantine, getting used to their new home before their public debut.

A Boeing 777 carrying just two special passengers

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang left Chengdu and arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on September 27, 2026. Their ride was unusual too: FedEx used a dedicated Boeing 777-F, dubbed the 'FedEx Panda Express', for the non-stop flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Atlanta.

On board, the two pandas traveled in custom-built crates. Per FedEx, they were the entire cargo on the plane; the only company was a team of animal-care specialists, fresh bamboo, water and some favorite treats. FedEx said it donated the full transportation cost of the move, and after landing continued to support the road transport to Zoo Atlanta.

Who are Ping Ping and Fu Shuang?

Both were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. Ping Ping is male, born March 17, 2020; Fu Shuang is female, born October 18, 2020. At the time of the move to the US, Ping Ping was 6 and Fu Shuang was 5.

Zoo Atlanta explains that the name Ping Ping comes from part of the name given to him and his twin at birth, evoking a smooth and healthy life. The name Fu Shuang relates to 'Fu Lu', tied to the meaning of happiness.

You can't see the pandas just yet

If you're in Atlanta and want to meet the two new members at the zoo, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are currently housed in a biosecure area of Zoo Atlanta's new giant panda complex and will go through a routine quarantine of about a month.

During this time, the care team will monitor their health and help them adjust to the new environment. China also stationed veterinarians and keepers at the zoo for about three months to support quarantine, acclimation and behavior training. Zoo Atlanta has not announced an exact debut date, saying it will share one later.

Pandas return to Atlanta after nearly two years

The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang also marks the return of pandas to Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta's previous panda partnership began in 1999 and ended in 2024.

Over the prior 25 years, pandas Lun Lun and Yang Yang had 7 cubs in Atlanta between 2006 and 2016, including two sets of twins. Lun Lun, Yang Yang and the two youngest, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to Chengdu in October 2024; the five other cubs also live in China. The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang thus opens a new chapter after nearly two years without giant pandas in Atlanta.

They will stay in the US for 10 years

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang came to Atlanta under an international research and conservation cooperation agreement on giant pandas between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Per the announced agreement, the two pandas are expected to live in Atlanta for 10 years.

After their arrival, Zoo Atlanta becomes one of three US zoos currently home to giant pandas, alongside the San Diego Zoo and the Smithsonian's National Zoo. It is also the only facility in the US Southeast with the species.

Why do Chinese pandas live at zoos abroad?

Programs sending pandas abroad today are not simply a transfer of animal ownership. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang remain within a conservation and research cooperation program between organizations of the two countries.

Zoo Atlanta says the prior cooperation contributed to many areas: scientific research, panda care and breeding, habitat restoration, reserve management, and public education.

Giant pandas were once listed as Endangered by the IUCN before being downgraded to Vulnerable in 2016. Zoo Atlanta cites figures showing nearly 1,900 remain in the wild, most protected within reserves.

The 'Panda Express' isn't its first time carrying passengers like these

FedEx has transported pandas between China and many countries for more than two decades. Counting Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, the company says it has moved a total of 23 pandas to or from China since 2000. These special flights go by a memorable name: the FedEx Panda Express.

Before the trip, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang were also introduced to their crates to make the journey safer and more comfortable. With a cargo flight whose entire 'cargo' was just two pandas, some bamboo and food, this may be one of the Boeing 777 flights with the most memorable passenger list.

The first month is mostly about settling in

For viewers, the most notable event is the moment the plane lands. But for Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, the next important part happens quietly: they must adapt to the new environment, get used to their keepers, be monitored for health, go through quarantine and gradually settle into their new enclosure.

Per China's forestry authority, after arriving at Zoo Atlanta a general check showed both were in good health. Only once this process is complete will visitors get a chance to meet the two new residents. So the September 27 story isn't 'two pandas arrived in Atlanta and debuted at once', but more precisely: two pandas reached their new home — and now need time to make it home.

30-second recap

  • What are the pandas' names? — Ping Ping (male) and Fu Shuang (female); both born in 2020.
  • When did they reach the US? — September 27, 2026.
  • How did they travel? — A dedicated FedEx Boeing 777-F called the 'Panda Express'.
  • From where to where? — From Chengdu, China to Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
  • Where and how long? — At Zoo Atlanta, about 10 years under the current agreement.
  • When can visitors see them? — No official date yet; the pandas need about a month of quarantine and acclimation first.