Statement on Zoo Atlanta giant panda program

Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda loan with China is set to expire in late 2024. All four of the pandas currently at Zoo Atlanta (Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun and Xi Lun) are expected to travel to China in 2024. However, we are working with our partners in China on the timing of all panda travels, so we do not yet have specific details on a timeframe in 2024. We expect to have significant advance notice in terms of timing, as the permitting process for sending animals abroad takes time.

Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda loan with China is for Lun Lun and Yang Yang. The terms of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda loan with China have always included the stipulation that per the terms of the loan agreement, all offspring of Lun Lun and Yang Yang travel to China when they are of age. All five of Ya Lun’s and Xi Lun’s older siblings have done so and now live in China.

No discussions have yet taken place with our partners in China as to the status of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program beyond the end of the loan in 2024. Zoo Atlanta is committed to the long-term stewardship of giant pandas and to the continuation of its valued partnership with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens.