Two giant pandas make public debut at Zoo Atlanta

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, two giant pandas on loan from China, delighted visitors at Zoo Atlanta in the US state of Georgia on Friday during their first public appearance since arriving in the United States, AFP reports.

The male panda, Ping Ping, and the female, Fu Shuang, arrived in the United States in September and are expected to spend the next ten years at the zoo in the southern US city, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

"These animals have a unique ability to spark curiosity, inspire passion, bring joy and unite people around the world," said Raymond King, director of the American zoo.

"This extraordinary spirit of collaboration helps secure the future of a species that is truly cherished around the world," he added.

Ahead of the pandas' arrival, Zoo Atlanta renovated its facilities and established a specialised team of animal caretakers.

The zoo also secured a stable, long-term supply of bamboo grown locally in Atlanta.

"I think they bring us joy," said Rachel Totts, who visited the zoo on Friday.

"They make people smile. I've never seen anyone look at them without saying, 'Look how cute they are!'" she added.

Zoo Atlanta previously hosted giant pandas on loan from China for 25 years, starting in 1999, but had been without the animals since 2024.

For decades, Beijing has sent giant pandas to various countries around the world, viewing them as ambassadors of its soft power and diplomatic goodwill.

In 1972, for example, China sent a pair of pandas to Washington following US President Richard Nixon's historic visit to the communist country.

However, while panda loans are intended to symbolise friendly diplomatic relations, the animals can also be recalled to China as a signal of Beijing's displeasure.

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