25 Years of Panda Conservation

As we continue to reflect on the legacy of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program, a major theme that springs to mind is, of course, conservation. A lot has changed for giant pandas on a global scale since Lun Lun and Yang Yang arrived in Atlanta in 1999. Perhaps most notably, in 2016 the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) downgraded the giant panda’s status from Endangered to Vulnerable, in the culmination of decades of dedicated efforts across international borders and cooperative partnerships. However, conservation projects, even successful ones, don’t come with a simple box that can be checked off, and giant pandas are far from out of the proverbial woods. Even as we look ahead to the departure of Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun later this year, we’re proud to reflect on Zoo Atlanta’s contributions to giant panda conservation and our ongoing commitment to the long-term preservation of this species that we hold so near and dear to our hearts. 

You’re probably familiar with the fact that the pandas at Zoo Atlanta are here through an agreement with China. What you may not know is that to date, Zoo Atlanta has contributed over $17 million to the conservation of wild giant pandas. Since the 1960s, pandas in China have lived primarily on a series of protected reserves in the Sichuan province. Support from Zoo Atlanta contributes to reserve management, protection stations, reforestation projects, population monitoring equipment, and research on genetic diversity.  

One final way Zoo Atlanta supports giant panda conservation? You! Every time you visit the Zoo, you are supporting conservation efforts for pandas and many other species around the world. We love every part of a guest’s visit, but the fact that just stepping foot inside the Zoo means directly enabling vital conservation work goes beyond cool. You’re an integral part of our mission, and we hope you never forget it! 

Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate a quarter-century of pandas at Zoo Atlanta, and in the meantime, you can find the answers to all your panda-related questions here!