Panda fever is sweeping the United States, as the city of Atlanta, Georgia, awaits the arrival of two giant pandas flying from Chengdu in southwest China.
The panda pair departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, kicking off their 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta.
Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are now on their way to their new home, delighting panda lovers across the southern U.S. city. For many Americans, their arrival marks an exciting new chapter, while for others, it stirs happy memories that reach back more than half a century.
Giant pandas have long been part of the story between China and the United States. The first pair, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, arrived in Washington in 1972 - a historic moment that made the black-and-white bears beloved symbols of the bilateral relationship.
More than 50 years later, the journey of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang carries that tradition forward, offering a fresh reminder of the enduring people-to-people bonds the two countries share.
"I think that's great. The more pandas in the United States, the better. I remember that when they came over, there was a lot of interesting coverage on it," said John, a tourist from Virginia visiting Zoo Atlanta.
"It was such a big deal to have such a special animal that hardly ever is seen anywhere outside of China," said Pat Lawrence, a resident of Washington, DC.
For many Americans, pandas are part of memories shared across generations.
"It was worth waiting in very long lines to see, and everybody was wearing black and white clothes to honor the panda colors. I remember of my daughter asking me for a stuffed panda as a present. I don't know, she might still have it after all these years. [19]72 was back when my husband and I were newlyweds. That was a long time ago," said Lawrence.
Decades later, the fascination with pandas hasn't faded.
"One of the things the kids always love is how roly-poly the pandas were," said Myra, a zoo visitor from Pittsburgh.
"And I think that's what makes them such a good envoy and ambassador of friendship," she added.
"It's a good demonstration of that relationship between the U.S. and China. So it's great to see this type of outcome, you know, like the fact that both countries are creating this relationship. So it's phenomenal," said Francisco, a visitor from Costa Rica.
After a quarantine period to ensure the bears are fit and healthy, Zoo Atlanta visitors will get a chance to see them.
The male panda, Ping Ping, born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to its large, dark eye rims. He has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches.
Fu Shuang, the female panda, born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on its head and a full, protruding forehead. With a round appearance, she is quick to react, and very capable of foraging for food.
Panda fever returns to US as two giant pandas head to Zoo Atlanta
