Pandas set for 8,000-mile blind date in Atlanta

ChinaPandas set for 8,000-mile blind date in AtlantaThe Hawks, the Falcons and the giant pandas: Atlanta will soon welcome two new furry, bamboo-eating residents.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleExclusive look at Chinese pandas preparing for trip to America02:03Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 14, 2026, 7:40 PM EDTBy Janis Mackey Frayer and Jay GanglaniCHENGDU, China — They’ve never met, but Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are getting ready for the blind date of a lifetime. The two pandas are preparing to leave China on a nearly 8,000-mile trip to their new home in Atlanta.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will make the lengthy journey from their current home in Chengdu, a city of over 20 million people in southwestern China.While Ping Ping is an avid bamboo eater, Fu Shuang — whose name means “double happiness” — is playful but a bit timid. She also enjoys snacking on apples and resting her chin on her paw. The pair will eventually be moved to another panda base farther south before they begin their journey to America.Fu Shuang in Chengdu, China, in early May.Fred Dufour / NBC News“Since they have the black-and-white fur, that can make them look so cute,” 10-year-old Emma said.“I’m in Chengdu to see an animal that represents China,” said 28-year-old Li Shu, who traveled for over 1,700 miles to visit the pandas. “I’m proud. I like them because they are cute.”The pandas, whose travel date has not yet been announced, have never met. They will be sent to Atlanta as part of a new 10-year conservation agreement announced ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to China.In a statement, Zoo Atlanta said it was “delighted” and “honored” to continue conservation and research efforts alongside the China Wildlife Conservation Association. “We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city, and community...