Where are the pandas?
Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun departed Atlanta for China on October 12, 2024, with transportation generously donated by FedEx.
Giant panda travels to China
Why did the pandas travel to China?
Zoo Atlanta announced on September 20, 2024, that the pandas were expected to travel to China in mid-October in tandem with the expiration of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda agreement with China.
The giant pandas were at Zoo Atlanta through an agreement with China. Zoo Atlanta does not own the pandas; we have merely been fortunate enough to be their stewards and introduce so many people here in the U.S. to this species.
Zoo Atlanta’s agreement with China was for Lun Lun and Yang Yang; additionally, the terms of this agreement always stipulated that offspring of Lun Lun and Yang Yang travel to China when they are of age. Five of these Atlanta-born offspring already live in China. The two youngest offspring, 8-year-olds Ya Lun and Xi Lun, traveled to China along with their parents.
When does Zoo Atlanta’s agreement with China expire?
Zoo Atlanta’s agreement with China expires in October 2024.
Did all four pandas leave Zoo Atlanta?
Yes.
Who accompanied the pandas on their trip? What items were sent along with them?
Three Zoo Atlanta team members, including a veterinarian and two members of the Panda Care Team, accompanied the pandas to ensure their care and comfort during their travels. Care supplies included more than 300 pounds of bamboo; around 10 pounds of fresh produce, including apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes; six gallons of water; and 20 pounds of leafeater biscuits. Similar in texture and consistency to dry dog food, these biscuits are nutritionally designed for leaf-eating animals, contain vitamins and minerals, and are a regular part of the pandas’ diet.
Where will the pandas live in China?
The giant pandas will reside at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which is also home to Lun Lun’s and Yang Yang’s first five offspring.
What happens after the agreement with China expires?
We do not have any information to share on the Zoo Atlanta panda program post the pandas’ departure.
What will happen to the pandas’ habitat space?
We do not have specifics to share on plans for the habitat space post the pandas’ departure.
About the giant pandas
Who are the pandas from Zoo Atlanta?
The giant pandas from Zoo Atlanta are adult female Lun Lun (pronounced loon loon – born August 25, 1997 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China); adult male Yang Yang (pronounced yahng yahng – born September 9, 1997 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China); adult female Ya Lun (pronounced yah loon – born September 3, 2016 at Zoo Atlanta); and adult female Xi Lun (pronounced shee loon – born September 3, 2016 at Zoo Atlanta).
Lun Lun’s and Yang Yang’s first five offspring also live at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. These are male Mei Lan (born 2006); male Xi Lan (born 2008); female Po (born 2010 and now known as A Bao); and females Mei Lun and Mei Huan (born 2013).
How does Zoo Atlanta contribute to giant panda conservation?
Giant pandas represent Zoo Atlanta’s most significant long-term investment in wildlife conservation, with more than $17 million contributed in support of wild giant pandas. Fewer than 1,900 giant pandas remain in the wild in China’s Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. Of these, more than 1,200 reside inside nature reserves. Conservation support from Zoo Atlanta has supported eight of these reserves, benefiting reforestation projects, supporting park rangers, and more.
In addition to this conservation impact, over the past 25 years, Zoo Atlanta and colleagues have enhanced the world’s body of knowledge of the care, biology, and behavior of this species. Zoo Atlanta remains committed to continuing to make an impact on the future for giant pandas.
What about pandas at other U.S. zoos?
Zoo Atlanta does not comment on giant panda programs at other U.S. zoos.