The last four giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta will be moved to China next month as the 25-year agreement with the country comes to an end. The pandas, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun, have been at the zoo since 1999 when they were received from China as part of a loan agreement. The move is bittersweet for the zoo, as the pandas have created a momentous legacy in Atlanta and around the world. They have contributed significantly to the scientific and zoological communities’ understanding of panda behavior, biology, and care.
The decision to send the pandas back to China comes after the National Zoo in Washington returned three pandas last November. Other American zoos have also sent pandas back to China as loan agreements lapsed amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the twins born in the U.S. in 2016, are the youngest of seven pandas born at Zoo Atlanta since 2006. Their siblings are already in the care of China’s Chengdu Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding. The zoo is planning a special event, called “Panda-Palooza” on Oct. 5, to give visitors the opportunity to say farewell to the beloved pandas.
The departure of the giant pandas marks the end of a chapter for Zoo Atlanta, which has been home to these beloved animals for over two decades. The pandas have captured the hearts of visitors and fans, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Raymond B. King, the zoo’s president and CEO, expressed gratitude for the pandas’ contributions and the legacy they have created during their time at the zoo. The move back to China is a significant transition for the pandas, but their impact will endure in the memories of those who have had the opportunity to see and learn from them.
As the countdown to the departure of the pandas begins, the zoo is making arrangements to ensure a smooth transition for the animals. The pandas will be transported back to China with the utmost care and attention to their well-being. While it will be difficult to say goodbye to these iconic animals, the zoo is committed to ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the process. The staff at Zoo Atlanta are dedicated to providing the best possible care for the pandas, even as they prepare to send them back to their native country.
The move of the giant pandas back to China is a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the giant panda. The pandas’ time at Zoo Atlanta has raised awareness about the need to preserve and protect these animals in their natural habitats. The zoo has been actively involved in conservation initiatives to support the survival of giant pandas in the wild. By returning the pandas to China, the zoo is reaffirming its commitment to the conservation and protection of this rare and treasured species. The legacy of the pandas will continue to inspire future generations to take action for the preservation of wildlife and their habitats.
