In a shocking announcement, Zoo Atlanta has revealed that it will be sending the panda parents Lun Lun and Yang Yang, along with their American-born twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun, back to China. The exact date of the transfer is still unknown, but it is expected to take place between October and December. This leaves only four pandas remaining in the United States after three were returned to China by the Washington National Zoo last year.
The Atlanta Zoo first welcomed Lun Lun and Yang Yang from China in 1999 as part of a 25-year loan agreement that is now coming to an end. Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born in 2016, are the youngest of the seven pandas born at Zoo Atlanta. They will be joining their siblings in China at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Center.
While these pandas prepare to leave Atlanta, there is speculation about whether the United States will be welcoming new pandas in the future. The San Diego Zoo has expressed interest in acquiring pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao from China this summer, but discussions have not yet taken place with Chinese partners for Atlanta to potentially welcome new pandas in the future.
Zoo officials emphasized that they will notify the public well in advance of the departure of their pandas and are working closely with partners to ensure a smooth transition for Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun back to their homeland.
