Pandas at Zoo Atlanta: Are Giant Pandas Back in 2026?
After saying goodbye to its beloved giant pandas in 2024, Zoo Atlanta is preparing to welcome them back.
Zoo Atlanta has been one of the most famous places outside China to see giant pandas for more than 25 years. During that time, millions of visitors watched Lun Lun and Yang Yang raise seven adorable cubs. Although Zoo Atlanta does not currently have giant pandas, the good news is that pandas are coming back.
In April 2026, the zoo announced a brand-new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. As part of the agreement, two young giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will be traveling to Zoo Atlanta.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers everything you need to know, including Zoo Atlanta’s panda history, the new conservation agreement, visitor information, and what to expect when the giant pandas return.
Visit the Zoo Atlanta
Opening Hours: Open Daily; Weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm, Weekends 9:00am-6:00pm
1-Day Passes: Timed/dynamic pricing – generally runs $23–$32+ adult, $17–$25+ child. There’s no flat rate. Daytime admission is free for children under 3 years old.
Membership Option: Starting at $129/yr
Panda Location: Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center, in the Asian Forest section of the Zoo (currently under renovation)
Parking: $3/hour, $12/day max, in the Cherokee Avenue lot or the Grant Park Gateway lot
Shuttles & Public Transit: King Memorial MARTA station (Blue/Green lines), about a 30-minute walk to the zoo; Relay Bike Share hubs are also right outside the entrance
Phone #: +1 404-624-9453 (WILD)
Location: 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Does Zoo Atlanta Currently Have Giant Pandas?
No. As of 2026, Zoo Atlanta does not currently have giant pandas on exhibit.
The zoo’s original giant panda agreement with China ended in October 2024, when Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their youngest cubs, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to China after 25 incredible years in Atlanta.
Fortunately, the wait won’t last forever. On April 23, 2026, Zoo Atlanta announced a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA).
As part of this new partnership, two young giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will travel to Zoo Atlanta.
At the time of writing, the zoo has not announced an official arrival date, so visitors should continue checking for updates before planning a trip specifically to see the pandas.
Curious where Ping Ping and Fu Shuang were born? Learn about the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world’s leading panda conservation and breeding centers.
Why Did the Pandas Leave?
Zoo Atlanta’s beloved giant pandas returned to China in October 2024 when the zoo’s 25-year loan agreement with China came to an end. Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their youngest cubs, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, all returned to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Their departure marked the end of an incredible chapter, but a new conservation agreement announced in 2026 means giant pandas will soon return to Atlanta.
The Rule on Panda Cubs
Even if giant pandas have cubs at Zoo Atlanta, the cubs do not stay permanently. Under China’s international conservation program, all giant pandas, including those born in U.S. zoos, remain the property of China. Once they are old enough, the cubs return to China to support future breeding and conservation efforts, just as Lun Lun and Yang Yang’s seven cubs did.
Zoo Atlanta isn’t the only place welcoming giant pandas. Find out everything you need to know about the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo in my updated 2026 guide.
Meet Zoo Atlanta’s Future Giant Pandas
Although visitors can’t see giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta just yet, two young pandas are preparing for the journey that will make Atlanta their new home.
The pair, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, currently live at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China. Before traveling to the United States, they will be transferred to another panda base for final preparations.
Their trip to Atlanta will cover nearly 8,000 miles, making it one of the longest journeys either panda has ever taken.
One interesting fact is that Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have never met. Their arrival at Zoo Atlanta will mark the beginning of a new chapter for both pandas as they become companions under the zoo’s giant panda conservation program.
Ping Ping
Ping Ping is a male giant panda born on March 17, 2020, at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Base.
According to his caretakers, Ping Ping has an excellent appetite and especially enjoys eating fresh bamboo. He spends much of his day eating, resting, and exploring his habitat.
Fu Shuang
Fu Shuang is a female giant panda born on October 18, 2020, at the same breeding center.
Her name means “Double Happiness.” Keepers describe her as playful but a little shy. Besides bamboo, she enjoys apples and has an adorable habit of resting her chin on her paw while relaxing.
When Will the Pandas Arrive?
Zoo Atlanta has confirmed that Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will travel to Atlanta, but no official arrival date has been announced.
Before making their nearly 8,000-mile journey to the United States, both pandas will spend time at another panda facility in China as part of their travel preparations.
The zoo has said it will announce more details once travel plans are finalized.
Zoo Atlanta’s Giant Panda Journey
For more than 25 years, Zoo Atlanta has played an important role in giant panda conservation. Here’s a look at the milestones that made its panda program one of the most successful outside China.
Giant Pandas Arrive at Zoo Atlanta
Lun Lun and Yang Yang arrived from China aboard a specially chartered UPS cargo plane, affectionately nicknamed the “Panda Express.” After landing, they were escorted by police to Zoo Atlanta, where they began a conservation partnership that would span 25 years.
Pandas Become Zoo Atlanta’s Biggest Attraction
The giant pandas quickly became the zoo’s biggest stars. Visitors traveled from across the country to see the rare bears, helping Zoo Atlanta reach record attendance and making giant pandas one of Atlanta’s most popular attractions.
The First Panda Cub Is Born
After years of careful planning and collaboration with giant panda experts in China, Lun Lun gave birth to Mei Lan. She was the only giant panda cub born in the United States that year and marked the beginning of an extraordinary breeding program.
Seven Panda Cubs Born at Zoo Atlanta
Over the next decade, Lun Lun became one of the world’s most successful panda mothers outside China.
She gave birth to seven cubs:
- Mei Lan (2006)
- Xi Lan (2008)
- Po (2010)
- Mei Lun (2013)
- Mei Huan (2013)
- Ya Lun (2016)
- Xi Lun (2016)
Each cub later returned to China to contribute to the international giant panda conservation program.
The First Panda Twins Since 1987
The birth of twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan made headlines around the world. They were the first giant panda twins born in the United States since 1987.
Zoo Atlanta Raises a Second Set of Panda Twins
When twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun were born, Zoo Atlanta became the first U.S. zoo to successfully raise two sets of giant panda twins.
Lun Lun and Yang Yang Return to China
After 25 unforgettable years, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun returned to China when the zoo’s original panda agreement ended. Zoo Atlanta celebrated their remarkable legacy with a special farewell event called Panda-Palooza.
Ping Ping and Fu Shuang Are Coming to Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta announced a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
As part of the agreement, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will travel to Atlanta in the future, beginning an exciting new chapter for the zoo’s panda program.
Zoo Atlanta Panda Conservation Efforts
Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program has always been about much more than allowing visitors to see these incredible animals. Since welcoming its first pandas in 1999, the zoo has worked closely with conservation partners in China to help protect giant pandas and their mountain forest habitat.
Over the years, Zoo Atlanta has contributed more than $17 million toward giant panda conservation. These funds have supported habitat restoration, nature reserve management, wildlife ranger programs, scientific research, and conservation education.
In April 2026, Zoo Atlanta renewed its commitment by signing a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The partnership will continue research, veterinary collaboration, and conservation efforts while preparing for the arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang.
Although giant pandas are no longer classified as endangered, they are still considered Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ongoing conservation work remains essential to protect their bamboo forest habitat and ensure healthy wild populations.
Learn how Pandas International supports giant panda conservation through research, education, and habitat protection.
Panda Studies at Zoo Atlanta
Some of Zoo Atlanta’s most recent research projects on giant pandas have focused on the maternal behaviors of mother pandas and on pandas’ ability to differentiate colors – both have added a lot of new insights into the lives of the giant bears. Research done by Zoo Atlanta found that panda vocalizations contain information about the centers, identity, gender, and reproductive.
Female giant pandas are only fertile for a few days each year, so the zoo is currently involved in several reproductive studies focusing on hormone levels. Veterinarians at Zoo Atlanta have also done extensive work in the detection and monitoring of giant panda pregnancies via ultrasonography.
Research at the zoo has shown that male cubs initiate play more often than female cubs. Giant pandas also have many distinct vocalizations, ranging from bleats and chirps to moans, barks, growls, and roars.
Want to see pandas up close in China? My guide to the Dujiangyan Panda Base covers panda volunteer programs, rescue efforts, and visitor information.
What Other Animals Can You See at Zoo Atlanta?
Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and one of Georgia’s most popular family attractions.
The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species, including African Elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas, Sumatran Orangutans, Sumatran Tigers, Red Pandas, Giant Tortoises, and many more. Zoo Atlanta is internationally recognized for its conservation work, especially its successful giant panda breeding program and one of North America’s largest collections of great apes.
Here are the highlights I always point people toward.
- Western Lowland Gorillas: The Ford African Rain Forest is home to one of the largest gorilla populations in North America, spread across four distinct family groups. If you only have time for one exhibit, I’d pick this one.
- Orangutans: The Asian Forest houses one of the largest zoo populations of orangutans in the country, including Bornean and Sumatran orangutans. Some even “play” on touchscreens as part of the zoo’s Orangutan Learning Tree Project – it’s genuinely fascinating to watch.
- African Elephants: Kelly and Tara are longtime favorites in the African Savanna, known for throwing mud on themselves and occasionally “painting” for enrichment.
- Giraffes, Zebras & Ostriches: The African Savanna’s mixed-species habitat lets you get a ground-level view of some of the tallest animals on Earth. From March through November (weather permitting), you can even do a giraffe feeding on Twiga Terrace.
- Southern White Rhinos: Found in the Delta Air Lines Rhino Habitat, a rare and wonderful sight since they are a threatened species.
- African Lions: Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi live in a newly renovated 1,200-square-foot habitat that opened in 2025.
- Red Pandas: If you’re disappointed that the giant pandas haven’t arrived yet, don’t miss the zoo’s adorable red pandas. Their reddish fur, bushy tails, and playful personalities make them one of the zoo’s most photographed animals.
- Reptile House: Discover snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodilians, and amphibians from around the world inside the zoo’s fascinating reptile collection.
Planning a California vacation? My San Diego Zoo Travel Guide includes admission prices, must-see exhibits, visitor tips, and everything you need for a great day at one of America’s top zoos.
Nearby Attractions
Since Zoo Atlanta sits right in historic Grant Park, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day (or even a full weekend) in this part of Atlanta. Get Atlanta CityPASS, a multi-attraction package that includes admission to city highlights including Atlanta’s Famous Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and much more!
Here are a few of my favorite nearby stops to pair with your trip.
Grant Park itself: Atlanta’s oldest park, with over 130 acres of walking trails, natural springs, and playgrounds. If the weather’s nice, it’s a great spot to unwind after a few hours on your feet at the zoo.
Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and thousands of marine animals.
World of Coca-Cola & Centennial Olympic Park: A short drive from Grant Park, these make for an easy add-on if you’re spending a full day downtown.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Visit Dr. King’s childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the historic sites that celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
Want to learn more about pandas? Check out my Top Amazing Panda Facts blog!
FAQs: Pandas at Zoo Atlanta
Below are some questions commonly asked about pandas in Zoo Atlanta along with my expert answers to each question.
How long have pandas been at Zoo Atlanta?
Pandas have had a home at Zoo Atlanta since 1999, living in an incredible custom enclosure. Yang Yang and Lun Lun have been on loan from China for 25 years and have thoroughly enjoyed their stay at the zoo, having many babies while living there. Currently, their two twins Xi Lun and Ya Lun are living with them.
Which U.S. zoos currently have giant pandas?
Right now, only two U.S. zoos have pandas on exhibit: the San Diego Zoo and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Once Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrive in Atlanta, that number will go up to three.
When will the pandas arrive at Zoo Atlanta?
An exact arrival date hasn’t been announced. Zoo Atlanta has said it will share updates as they become available, so I’d recommend checking the zoo’s Panda Legacy page directly before planning a trip specifically to see them.
Is it worth visiting Zoo Atlanta if there are no pandas right now?
Absolutely. Zoo Atlanta is home to one of the largest great ape populations in North America, plus elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, red pandas, and a reptile house with over 70 species. There’s easily 3+ hours of things to see even without pandas on exhibit.
Why did the previous pandas leave?
Zoo Atlanta’s original giant panda agreement with China ended in October 2024. Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun returned to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding after 25 years in Atlanta.
Can visitors see the panda habitat?
The giant panda habitat is currently being expanded in preparation for the arrival of the new pandas. Zoo Atlanta will share additional information as the project progresses.
How long should I spend at Zoo Atlanta?
Most visitors spend between 4 and 6 hours exploring the zoo. Animal lovers and families with children may wish to spend the entire day.
If you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., don’t miss my guide to seeing giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, including visitor tips and what to expect.
Final Thoughts: Pandas at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta has been one of the world’s leading giant panda conservation centers for more than 25 years. However, the giant pandas are not currently on exhibit; that will soon change with the future arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang.
In the meantime, Zoo Atlanta remains one of the best zoos in the United States, with world-class exhibits featuring gorillas, elephants, orangutans, red pandas, and hundreds of other animals. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see the next chapter of its giant panda program, there’s plenty to experience.
When the new pandas arrive, Zoo Atlanta will once again become a must-visit destination for panda lovers. Until then, keep an eye on the zoo’s latest announcements – and start planning your trip!
