🐼 After 25 years of panda-monium, Zoo Atlanta's four beloved giant pandas—Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun—are packing their bags and heading back to the Chinese mainland this October. It's the end of an era for Atlanta, and hearts are both heavy and full.
\"While we'll certainly miss our black and white stars, their legacy lives on,\" shared Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. \"They've left paw prints not just on Atlanta but around the globe, teaching us so much about the care and conservation of this treasured species.\" 🌏❤️
The panda program, which kicked off in the mid-'90s, wasn't just about cute faces and bamboo snacks. 🌿 It was a groundbreaking collaboration with colleagues in China, focusing on research and conservation that benefits giant pandas everywhere.
Over the years, Zoo Atlanta became a hub of knowledge and inspiration, contributing significantly to the global panda population and conservation efforts. \"Our partnership has been wildly successful,\" the zoo noted. \"And it's all thanks to the shared love and dedication for these amazing animals.\" 🐾
As we bid a fond farewell, let's celebrate the joy and awareness these pandas brought to our lives. They've been more than just zoo animals—they've been ambassadors of goodwill and symbols of international collaboration. Safe travels, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun! 🎉✈️
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Four giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta to return to China in mid-October
cgtn.com