Why two giant pandas are heading to the US for 10 years

Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang departed Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a chartered flight bound for Zoo Atlanta on Sunday, beginning a 10-year stay in the United States.

Why were Ping Ping and Fu Shuang selected for the international cooperation program?

Li Mingxi, deputy director of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, said four main factors are considered when selecting pandas for international cooperation: age, genetics, health and temperament.

In terms of age, pandas that are too young have not fully developed their ability to live independently, while older pandas may not be suitable for a 10-year stay. The base generally selects pandas between four and six years old.

Genetics is another consideration, Li said, as the two pandas carry the hopes of people in both China and the United States. The hope is that they will reproduce and eventually return to China as a family.

Health is also essential. The pandas selected for cooperation need to be healthy and energetic enough to begin their 10-year stay in a new environment.

Temperament is the fourth factor. The pandas should have gentle personalities and, ideally, be compatible with each other to support natural breeding.

Preparing for the journey

Before leaving China, the two pandas spent a month in a closed environment to reduce potential exposure to outside factors, particularly disease.

During the quarantine period, they were cared for by a fixed group of keepers who stayed with them throughout their daily routines. The pandas underwent comprehensive observation, assessment and health examinations.

The team also carried out additional training to prepare the pandas for the journey. Traveling from China to the United States involves multiple stages of transportation and more than 10 hours on a plane. Since giant pandas are relatively sensitive to noise, the training focused on helping them adapt to sounds they might encounter during the journey.

Upgrades at Zoo Atlanta

Preparing for the pandas' arrival has involved extensive cooperation between Chinese and US experts.

Li said experts from the two sides held nine video conferences and exchanged more than 60 rounds of emails to discuss the design of the panda facilities.

Based on the plan, Zoo Atlanta spent a year renovating, upgrading and optimizing the facilities, at a cost of $6 million.

The outdoor area was improved by filling in a previous ditch and adding more plants and flowers to create a more natural environment. Areas around the visitor spaces were also optimized.

New climbing structures were added to provide the pandas with more varied spaces and activities.

The indoor area was also doubled in size. Like the outdoor area, it includes climbing structures. A pool was also added, allowing the pandas to cool off, bathe and play.

Why international cooperation matters

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has carried out giant panda conservation cooperation with eight countries and regions, Li said.

He said every country, region and wildlife conservation institution has its own strengths, including technologies, methods and equipment that can be learned from and adopted.

Through successive rounds of international cooperation, giant pandas have not only helped build bridges of friendship between China and the peoples around the world, but have also broadened the horizons of Chinese researchers, brought in new technologies and introduced new ideas, helping improve the country's giant panda conservation capabilities.