Zoo Atlanta debuts 2 new giant pandas

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Are you ready for more “pandamonium” in Atlanta?

Zoo Atlanta officially debuted its two new giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, on Friday. Visitors can see the pandas in person starting at 10:30 a.m.

The grand opening comes after the pandas finished a month-long quarantine to adjust to their new home. Their habitat underwent a $6 million makeover to prepare for their arrival, including new climbing structures and pools in the dayrooms, water features and a sculpture.

The zoo held an opening ceremony before the pandas made their public debut. Among the crowd was Kenn Collier, the state representative-elect for District 62.

“It means a lot for our district, especially for the families and young people,” Collier said. “I remember when the first pandas came when I was young, and I just remember the excitement that we had.”

Watch the ceremony:

Ping Ping, whose name means “peace,” and Fu Shuang, meaning “double blessing,” were born in 2020 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. They arrived in Atlanta on Sept. 27 via a special FedEx “Panda Express” flight.

The debut comes after China recalled its pandas from U.S. zoos in 2024, including Zoo Atlanta’s Lun Lun and Yang Yang and their two youngest cubs after a 25-year loan agreement expired.

The new pair is on a 10-year loan.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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