Which Zoos Have Pandas in the U.S.?
As of September 2026, two U.S. zoos currently exhibit giant pandas, and Zoo Atlanta is preparing for a long-awaited return. Loan agreements change — always check the zoo’s website before you book.
Quick answer
Which zoos have pandas in the U.S.? As of September 2026, giant pandas are on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.) and the San Diego Zoo. Zoo Atlanta has a new agreement for Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, with arrival described as imminent in late September 2026 — but visitors have not yet been told a public viewing date. Treat Atlanta as expected arrival / verify before visiting, not as currently on exhibit.
For the wider picture, see Which Zoos Have Pandas in Europe?, Which Zoos Have Pandas in the World?, and Which Countries Have Pandas in Zoos?.
U.S. Zoos With Giant Pandas in 2026
Giant pandas in American zoos are almost always loan animals owned by China, living under time-limited cooperative breeding and research agreements. That is why the U.S. list shrinks and grows over decades — and why this page is dated September 2026.
Right now the practical traveler map is simple: Washington, D.C. and San Diego for confirmed exhibits; Atlanta only if you re-check status the week you go.
U.S. giant panda status snapshot — September 2026
| Zoo | Pandas | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.) | Bao Li & Qing Bao | Currently on exhibit | Arrived Oct 15, 2024 — David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat |
| San Diego Zoo | Yun Chuan & Xin Bao | Currently on exhibit | Denny Sanford Panda Ridge — exhibit open |
| Zoo Atlanta | Ping Ping & Fu Shuang (expected) | Expected arrival / verify before visiting | New agreement April 2026; arrival imminent per Sept 2026 statements — no public viewing date yet |
Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute returned giant pandas to public view when Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived on October 15, 2024. They live in the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.
There is no special panda ticket beyond a normal zoo entry pass (the National Zoo has its own entry/reservation rules — check the Smithsonian site for current pass requirements). Expect popular viewing windows and possible wait lines; early arrival helps.
The National Zoo’s panda program is one of the longest-running outside China and a centerpiece of U.S.–China wildlife cooperation. For species biology beyond the exhibit, see our Giant Panda profile.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo again hosts giant pandas at Denny Sanford Panda Ridge. The current pair is Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, and the exhibit is open as of this update.
San Diego is a classic “return destination” after earlier loan cycles ended. Like other U.S. hosts, viewing is included with zoo admission unless the zoo announces a temporary timed-entry overlay — confirm on the San Diego Zoo website before your visit.
Zoo Atlanta — Expected Arrival (Not Yet On Exhibit)
Zoo Atlanta was a beloved long-term panda home for Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their offspring Ya Lun and Xi Lun, who returned to China when the prior agreement ended in October 2024.
A new agreement was announced in April 2026 for Ping Ping (male) and Fu Shuang (female). Zoo Atlanta’s own FAQ wording is clear: the zoo currently does not have giant pandas; the pair “will be traveling.”
On September 24, 2026, public remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated the pandas arrive “in a few days.” Zoo Atlanta has said it will not publish an exact arrival date, and guests have not yet been told when public viewing begins. Until the zoo announces that pandas are on exhibit, plan as if they are not.
Looking for a Zoo With Pandas Near You?
Looking for a zoo with pandas near you? In the United States as of September 2026, your realistic options are the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. and the San Diego Zoo for confirmed exhibits, plus Zoo Atlanta depending on arrival and public viewing announcements. There is no separate “near me” directory page — geography plus current loan status is the whole map.
If you are traveling internationally, compare European panda zoos and the worldwide zoo guide.
Former U.S. Panda Homes
Many Americans remember pandas at places that no longer host them. When loan contracts end, animals typically return to China. Notable historical U.S. hosts include Memphis Zoo and earlier San Diego / National Zoo cycles before the current pairs.
Those former homes are important history — and a reminder not to trust outdated blog posts or old trip photos as proof that pandas are still there.
- Memphis Zoo and other past hosts returned pandas when agreements ended
- Prior Zoo Atlanta family (Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, Xi Lun) returned October 2024
- Always treat “I saw pandas there years ago” as historical, not current
Why U.S. Panda Lists Change
Almost every giant panda outside mainland China is part of a Chinese loan / cooperative agreement. China retains ownership; zoos pay fees that support conservation and research; breeding and cub protocols are contract-defined; and cubs generally return to China under agreed timelines.
Lists change when agreements expire, when animals are rotated, when health or facility issues pause exhibits, or when new pairs are negotiated — exactly the Atlanta story in 2026. For a country-level view, read Which Countries Have Pandas in Zoos?.
Frequently asked questions
Which zoos have pandas in the U.S. right now?+
As of September 2026, Smithsonian National Zoo (Bao Li & Qing Bao) and San Diego Zoo (Yun Chuan & Xin Bao) currently exhibit giant pandas. Zoo Atlanta expects Ping Ping and Fu Shuang but they are not confirmed on public exhibit yet — verify before visiting.
Does Zoo Atlanta have pandas in 2026?+
Not currently on exhibit as of this September 2026 update. Zoo Atlanta’s FAQ says it does not presently have pandas; Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are expected under a new agreement. Arrival was described as imminent in late September 2026, but no public viewing date has been announced. Status: expected arrival / verify before visiting.
Do I need a special ticket to see pandas at the National Zoo?+
There is no special panda ticket beyond normal Smithsonian National Zoo entry / pass requirements. Check the zoo’s website for current reservation rules and hours.
Are U.S. zoo pandas owned by the zoos?+
Generally no. Giant pandas on exhibit in U.S. zoos are typically loan animals owned by China under cooperative breeding and research agreements with time limits and return clauses.
Where can I see pandas near me in the United States?+
Confirmed exhibits are in Washington, D.C. (National Zoo) and San Diego. Atlanta may become an option once Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are announced as on exhibit — check Zoo Atlanta before you travel.
Related giant panda zoo guides
Which Zoos Have Pandas in Europe?
Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and other European hosts — verify before travel.
Read guideWhich Zoos Have Pandas in the World?
Continental overview of panda zoos outside mainland China.
Read guideWhich Countries Have Pandas in Zoos?
Country list, loan politics, and why the roster keeps changing.
Read guideIdentify mammals & pandas
Planning a zoo visit or spotted a look-alike in a photo? Open the Giant Panda encyclopedia profile, browse mammals, or run AnimalIDFinder’s picture identifier.
