The new Atlanta home of giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, the Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove, is now open to the public.
The opening of Panda Grove marks the first time Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have been visible to visitors.
Throughout opening weekend, Nov. 6-8, visitors will enjoy commemorative giveaways and community activations celebrating this historic milestone, according to a press release.
Zoo Atlanta Members have special opportunities to see Ping Ping and Fu Shuang before the Zoo opens during Members-Only Panda Mornings: On Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8, members may enter to see the pandas at 8:30 a.m. From Monday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 22, members may enter at 8 a.m.
Ping Ping (male) and Fu Shuang (female), both 6 years old, were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – a Signature Conservation Partner of Zoo Atlanta.
The pandas are in Atlanta through a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation, initiated between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Zoo Atlanta is now one of only three zoos in the U.S. to house giant pandas and is the only zoological organization in the Southeast the species calls home, according to the press release.
“This is an extraordinary moment in history for Zoo Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and beyond. Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to be able to introduce Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to our Members and guests,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “We are honored to be the stewards of a species that not only brings joy and wonder to people around the world, but which also represents a conservation success story. Thanks to this new giant panda agreement, vital conservation work will be able to continue thanks to a deeply valued collaboration with our partners in China and a shared commitment to preserving these treasured animals for future generations in the wild.”
A $6 million update to the Zoo’s original giant panda habitat spaces, funded with grants from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove includes many new features designed with giant panda wellbeing in mind, as well as new experiences for members and guests. The giant panda dayrooms have been expanded and upgraded to include new climbing structures and a pool in each. The outdoor habitats also feature new climbing structures.
The appearance of the complex has been entirely redesigned, with tranquil surroundings promoting a contemplative experience. New additions include the David Landis sculpture Reflecting the Wild, donated by Dr. Ron and Judy Goldstein, as well as water features with aquatic flora.
Tickets are available at zooatlanta.org.
