‘Really, really cute’: Families flock to Zoo Atlanta to see new pandas

Families flocked to Zoo Atlanta on Friday to get their first look at its newest, and arguably cutest, residents: two giant pandas from China.

Ping Ping, the male, and Fu Shuang, the female, made their much-anticipated public debut, and they did not disappoint.

“They were really, really cute,” said 10-year-old Zuri Brown, who was visiting with her mom and classmates on a field trip. “And I just wanted to like squeeze them because they were so fluffy.”

The 6-year-old pandas were raised at a panda breeding research center in China and arrived in Atlanta on Sept. 27 after a 16-hour flight.

They underwent a mandatory quarantine and were given time to adjust to their new Georgia home before the public could see them.

Since the 1970s, China has loaned pandas to zoos around the world as part of its “panda diplomacy,” a show of goodwill to other nations. Zoo officials announced in April that the pair would be coming to Atlanta.

It had been two years since giant pandas called Zoo Atlanta home. In 2024, the zoo’s last panda family returned to China after a 25-year stay.

Josh and Macie Crawford stood in line with their two toddlers before the zoo opened to the public at 10:30 Friday morning.

“I saw them growing up, ever since I was a little kid,” Josh told Channel 2’s Bryan Mims. “So he’s two, she’s one. They never before experienced the pandas of Atlanta. We’re excited.”

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The zoo spent the past two years working on a $6 million renovation of the pandas’ habitat, now called the Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove.

It features pools, waterfalls, climbing structures and larger indoor spaces where the pandas can retreat during hot and cold weather.

Friday’s debut began with a special ceremony, with Channel 2’s Karyn Greer serving as emcee.

“We appreciate the responsibility given to us of building on decades of shared knowledge, advancing our understanding of this remarkable species, and providing exceptional care for Ping Ping and Fu Shuang,” said Raymond King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta.

After the zoo opened to the public, a long line quickly formed outside the panda habitat.

“They looked really fuzzy and adorable and I like them a lot,” said 9-year-old Esme Blackmon.

Samantha Rodriguez and her 8-year-old daughter, Gracie, were visiting family in Atlanta and knew they had to make a trip to the zoo for the giant pandas’ debut.

“They were super cute, and it was worth it,” Samantha said.

“I love pandas and they were very cute,” Gracie said. “It’s my first time seeing them in real life.”

Dr. Gina Ferrie, vice president of animal collections for the zoo, said the pandas have taken well to their new surroundings.

Their acclimation “has been fantastic,” Ferrie said. “They have both adjusted beyond our expectations.”

Zoo Atlanta is one of only three zoos in the country with giant pandas, along with the National Zoo in Washington and the San Diego Zoo. Ferrie said Atlanta will always have a special bond with China’s giant pandas.

“It’s significant like you couldn’t believe,” Ferrie said. “It’s part of our history and our culture here at Zoo Atlanta.”