Where to See Giant Pandas in the US
Updated October 3, 2026
As of October 2026 there are six giant pandas at three US zoos: Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC (2), San Diego Zoo (2), and Zoo Atlanta (2, in quarantine after arriving September 27, 2026). There are no giant pandas at any other US zoo.
The complete list (October 2026)
| Zoo | Pandas | On view? | Live cam? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington DC | Bao Li (male, b. 2021) Qing Bao (female, b. 2021) |
Yes — Asia Trail, free admission | Yes — 7am–7pm ET daily + replay |
| San Diego Zoo, California | Yun Chuan (male, b. 2019) Xin Bao (female, b. 2020) |
Yes — Denny Sanford Panda Ridge | Yes |
| Zoo Atlanta, Georgia | Ping Ping (male, b. 2020) Fu Shuang (female, b. 2020) |
In quarantine — arriving soon | Not yet restarted |
How it changed since 2024
Between 2023 and 2024, most US zoos' panda loans ended and the pandas returned to China — Memphis Zoo's Ya Ya went home in 2023, and Zoo Atlanta's pandas (Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, Xi Lun) returned in 2024. Then a new round of cooperation agreements brought pandas back:
- June 2024 — Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived at San Diego Zoo (first US arrivals since 2021)
- October 2024 — Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the National Zoo in DC (public debut Jan 24, 2025)
- September 2026 — Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived at Zoo Atlanta
All six pandas are in the US under 10-year International Cooperative Research Agreements on Giant Panda Conservation between US zoos and China's wildlife conservation authorities.
Quick answers
Which US zoo has a panda cam?
Two, right now: the National Zoo (live 7am–7pm ET daily) and the San Diego Zoo. Zoo Atlanta's cam will likely return when its new pandas debut.
Can I see pandas near me?
Giant pandas are only in DC, San Diego, and (soon) Atlanta. Many zoos without giant pandas still have red pandas — smaller, unrelated species with their own exhibits.
Are tickets needed for the pandas?
No separate panda ticket exists at any of the three zoos. National Zoo is free; San Diego and Atlanta require zoo admission. At San Diego's Panda Ridge, visitors wait in a standby line along a one-way path.
Will there be panda cubs in 2027?
Unknown. National Zoo's pandas showed courtship behavior in spring 2026 but no pregnancy was announced as of October 2026. San Diego Zoo has not announced a cub. Panda births are announced by each zoo when confirmed.
Sources
- Smithsonian National Zoo — Giant Panda FAQs
- San Diego Zoo — Giant Pandas
- Zoo Atlanta — The Giant Pandas Have Landed
- Smithsonian Institution — Two new giant pandas coming to National Zoo
- Giant Panda Global — Zoo Atlanta tracker
This page is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any zoo.