Atlanta has an official date for its newest giant pandas to meet the public.
Zoo Atlanta announced that Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will make their public debut on Friday, Nov. 6 inside the newly renovated Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove. The zoo announced the date Tuesday.
A new home for a new pair
Ping Ping, a male, and Fu Shuang, a female, arrived in Atlanta from China on Sept. 27 aboard a dedicated FedEx flight. They have remained out of public view while completing quarantine and adjusting to their new surroundings.
The renovated panda habitat includes new climbing structures, pools, water features and redesigned visitor areas. Atlanta News First reports the renovation cost about $6 million and was funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.
Atlanta is one of only three U.S. panda cities
Zoo Atlanta says it is now one of only three zoos in the United States housing giant pandas and the only one in the Southeast.
The new pair is in Atlanta through an international conservation research agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The Nov. 6 opening will mark the first time guests can see the animals in person.
