If you’re an animal lover, you know that Zoo Atlanta offers an oasis of creatures from around the globe. In the United States, plenty of zoos have many of the same types of animals, except for one: pandas.
As of now, you can see pandas in the United States only at Zoo Atlanta.
Where Can I Find Pandas in the U.S.?
- Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia: Zoo Atlanta is currently the only zoo in the U.S. that houses giant pandas. They have a famous pair of pandas named Yang Yang and Lun Lun.
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.: The National Zoo has had a long history of caring for giant pandas and has been home to pandas since 1972. However, the pandas were returned back to China in late 2023.
- The San Diego Zoo May receive a male and a female panda from China this summer, but the plan is still in the works.
- The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., May get some pandas as well.
These plans may or may not come to fruition, so Atlanta is your only sure bet. Why need spend an Atlanta weekend with your wild friends at the zoo?
An American Zoo, Panda History
The history of pandas in U.S. zoos dates back to 1936 when the first giant panda, Su Lin, arrived in California.
Pandas became popular in the U.S., with zoos clamoring to host them. However, by the early 1950s, the number of pandas in America had dwindled to zero.
In 1972, following President Nixon’s visit to China, the U.S. received two pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, who lived at the National Zoo. Over the years, the pandas at the National Zoo became a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration between the U.S. and China.
Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing had five cubs, but none survived more than a few days. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the National Zoo in 2000 on loan from China.
The panda program at the National Zoo ended in 2023 when Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji returned to China.
How To See Pandas at Zoo Atlanta
To see the pandas at Zoo Atlanta, you’ll have to purchase a ticket and make your way to the zoo exhibit.