Two giant pandas – male Pinpin and female Fushuan have been sent from Chengdu, China to the USA, where they will spend the next 10 years at the Atlanta Zoo.
elchi reports that China Central Television has provided information regarding this.
On September 27, at 02:55 local time, the pandas departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Before being sent to the USA, a farewell ceremony for the animals was held at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
For the flight, experts prepared a supply of fresh bamboo, shoots, as well as apples and medicines. Before the trip, the pandas underwent special training for transport.
After arriving in the USA, the animals must undergo quarantine. Chinese experts will also stay in Atlanta for the initial period to help the pandas adapt to the new conditions.
The relocation of the pandas is part of a new phase of the China-US program for their conservation. The agreement provides for 10 years of cooperation in the fields of panda breeding, disease prevention, scientific research, and the protection of their natural habitat.