US: Panda fever returns to US as two giant pandas head to Zoo Atlanta.

Panda fever is sweeping the United States, as the city of Atlanta, Georgia, awaits the arrival of two giant pandas flying from Chengdu in southwest China. The panda pair departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, kicking off their 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are now on their way to their new home, delighting panda lovers across the southern U.S. city. For many Americans, their arrival marks an exciting new chapter, while for others, it stirs happy memories that reach back more than half a century. Giant pandas have long been part of the story between China and the United States. The first pair, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, arrived in Washington in 1972 - a historic moment that made the black-and-white bears beloved symbols of the bilateral relationship. More than 50 years later, the journey of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang carries that tradition forward, offering a fresh reminder of the enduring people-to-people bonds the two countries share. For many Americans, pandas are part of memories shared across generations. Decades later, the fascination with pandas hasn't faded. After a quarantine period to ensure the bears are fit and healthy, Zoo Atlanta visitors will get a chance to see them. The male panda, Ping Ping, born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to its large, dark eye rims. He has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches. Fu Shuang, the female panda, born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on its head and a full, protruding forehead. With a round appearance, she is quick to react, and very capable of foraging for food. Shotlist: Washington DC, USA - Recent: 1. Various of visitors, giant panda; 2. Various of video showing giant panda "Bao Li", visitors; 3. SOUNDBITE (English) John (full name not given), tourist from Virginia "I think that's great. The more pandas in the United States, the better. I remember that when they came over, there was a lot of interesting coverage on it."; 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Pat Lawrence, Washington DC resident (ending with shot 5): "It was such a big deal to have such a special animal that hardly ever is seen anywhere outside of China."; 5. Various of giant panda eating; 6. Various of visitors; 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Pat Lawrence, Washington DC resident (starting with shot 6/partially overlaid with shots 8-9): "It was worth waiting in very long lines to see, and everybody was wearing black and white clothes to honor the panda colors. I remember of my daughter asking me for a stuffed panda as a present. I don't know, she might still have it after all these years. [19]72 was back when my husband and I were newlyweds. That was a long time ago." [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 8. Various of giant panda eating; visitors; 9. Stuffed panda toys for sale [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 10. Panda walking; 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Myra (full name not given), tourist from Pittsburgh (ending with shot 12): "One of the things the kids always love is how roly-poly the pandas were."; 12. Panda walking; 13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alma, Franco, tourists from Costa Rica (with reporter asking question): (Reporter: "Do you like them?") Alma: "Yeah." Franco: "They're very cute. I love them."; 14. SOUNDBITE (English) Pat Lawrence, Washington DC resident: "They're friendly-looking."; 15. SOUNDBITE (English) Myra (full name not given), tourist from Pittsburgh (ending with shot 16): "And I think that's what makes them such a good envoy and ambassador of friendship."; 16. Panda walking; 17. SOUNDBITE (English) Francisco (full name not given), tourist from Costa Rica (ending with shot 18): "It's a good demonstration of that relationship between the U.S. and China. So it's great to see this type of outcome, you know, like the fact that both countries are creating this relationship. So it's phenomenal."; 18. Various of giant panda; visitors. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]