We all know that Zoo Atlanta just received 2 new adorable giant pandas from China Ping Ping and Fu Shuang… and we’ve been waiting to meet them! Well, we’ve finally got an opening date for the new and improved panda habitat, and to meet the new panda duo!
When can I meet the new pandas at Zoo Atlanta?
The official date that you’ll be able to meet the giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta (and check out the newly renamed and improved panda habitat), is Friday, November 6, 2026!
A new name for the giant panda habitat
Today, October 6th, Zoo Atlanta announced a new name for their giant panda habitat: Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove.
This name was given to the habitat, according to a statement by Zoo Atlanta,
in honor of Arthur Blank’s longtime support of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program, dating back to 1999 with the arrival of original panda pair Lun Lun and Yang Yang. In tribute to that support, the Zoo’s first giant panda habitat, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center, also bore his name in recognition of that investment.
The $6 million renovation to bring the vision for Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove to fruition was funded by a grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, another longstanding partner of Zoo Atlanta and supporter of the giant panda program.
Raymond B. King, President and CEO, said in a statement,
This is a momentous occasion in Zoo Atlanta history. We are overjoyed to introduce Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and the all-new Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove to our community, City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, and beyond on November 6. Members and guests who recall the original giant panda habitat will know immediately upon entry that they are in for an entirely new experience. We are deeply grateful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and our incredible philanthropic community for their long-term support, investment in, and vision for the giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta.
The new Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove
The new and improved giant panda habitat at Zoo Atlanta has received a total makeover, and now includes new features designed with giant panda wellbeing in mind, AND an even better guest experience!
One key feature is the expansion of the giant panda dayrooms, which now include new climbing structures and a pool in each room. The outdoor habitats also feature new climbing structures.
Arthur M. Blank said in a statement,
The return of giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta is an exciting moment for our city as we once again become home to one of the world’s most beloved animals. As a lifelong animal lover, I’ve always believed in the importance of caring for and protecting the animals that share our world, and this is what makes our Foundation’s support of this effort especially meaningful to me. The Grove will give generations of Atlantans and guests from around the world the chance to experience these remarkable animals up close, while advancing conservation research, education and global efforts to protect giant pandas for generations to come.
But… there’s still more Zoo Atlanta wants to add! That’s where you come in!
The Panda Housewarming Wish List
Wanna help celebrate the pandas? The Zoo has a Panda Housewarming Wish List where you can buy some hand-selected items to make their Atlanta home extra cozy! Check it out here!
We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping & Fu Shuang on November 6th! See ya there, Atlanta!