Panda Express takes flight: from Atlanta to Chengdu to Washington, D.C.
After 25 years of munching on bamboo, captivating hearts, and contributing to scientific understanding, Zoo Atlanta’s Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun were transported to China with help from FedEx. The animal care professionals who have dedicated years to their care, the countless visitors who have marveled at their antics, and the city of Atlanta will all feel their absence.
But amidst the bittersweet farewell, there's also a sense of pride. Zoo Atlanta's panda program has been a resounding success. They've not only provided a loving home for these magnificent creatures, but also played a crucial role in their conservation. Seven panda cubs have been born at the zoo, each contributing to the species' survival, and five of them are already living in China. While the panda complex may feel empty, the memories of these captivating creatures will remain and their impact on the city, the scientific community, and the future of giant pandas will undoubtedly live on.
Meanwhile, the anticipation in DC was palpable as the FedEx Panda Express, a Boeing 777-Freighter, prepared for its transpacific journey. Inside the cargo hold, two specially designed crates held the precious cargo: Qing Bao, a two year old female giant panda, and Bao Li, a two year old male giant panda, destined for the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. Their move from China to D.C. marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
FedEx, a long-time partner in panda conservation, transported the pandas as part of a roundtrip operation with Zoo Atlanta and the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The mission underscores the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which FedEx lends its global network and unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with precious cargo requests and helps communities before, during, and after crises.
As the plane took off for D.C., a team of experienced animal care specialists and veterinarians monitored the pandas closely. FedEx’s custom-built steel and plexiglass transport enclosures allowed the pandas to move, eat, and play with their toys in complete comfort. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo had been preparing for the pandas' arrival for months, ensuring their new habitat was ready to meet their every need.
When the FedEx Panda Express touched down at Dulles International Airport, the excitement was profound. The pandas were carefully unloaded and transported to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where they will be quarantined for a period before making their public debut in early 2025.
The pandas' arrival marked a new chapter in the Smithsonian’s giant panda conservation efforts. They are not only beloved symbols of China but also ambassadors for their species, raising awareness about the threats they face in the wild and the importance of protecting their habitat.
As the pandas settle into their new home, the world watches with hope and optimism, a testament to the power of international cooperation and the enduring spirit of conservation.