"Packed Plenty of Bamboo Shoots?"...Pandas Pingping and Puxiang Depart China, Begin 10-Year Stay in US

Headed to US Zoo by Chartered Plane
To Be Used for Joint Research for About 10 Years
Pre-Transport Adaptation Training Conducted

Two giant pandas from China, often referred to as "symbols of US-China friendship," have departed for the United States.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 27th, the giant pandas "Pingping" and "Puxiang" left Chengdu Shuangliu Airport in China at 2:55 a.m. local time on a chartered flight, heading to Zoo Atlanta in the United States.

Puxiang. Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

The two pandas will be utilized for joint research for about ten years. Prior to their departure, a farewell event for the pandas was held at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

Pingping, a male, was born in March 2020, while Puxiang, a female, was born in October 2020. According to the report, Pingping is strong and agile, excelling at climbing trees, while Puxiang demonstrates outstanding skill in finding food, quickly locating treats hidden by the keepers.

To ensure the safety and comfort of the pandas during transportation, a transport plan was devised, and ample fresh bamboo shoots, bamboo, apples, and emergency medicine were prepared. In addition, prior transportation adaptation training was conducted to reduce the pandas’ stress. Cabin temperature and humidity were carefully maintained to make them feel comfortable throughout the journey.

PingPing. Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

The report states, “Since 1999, China and the United States have continued joint panda research, publishing over 50 academic papers and successfully breeding seven cubs,” adding that “during the next ten years, both countries will cooperate in studying panda breeding, disease prevention, and habitat conservation, among other related areas.”

Previously, on September 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a welcoming ceremony ahead of the summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, “In just a few days, two pandas will arrive at their new home in Zoo Atlanta and meet the American people.”

China has long practiced "panda diplomacy," using giant pandas as goodwill ambassadors to promote friendly relations with other countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.