[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                             PANDA TRIBUTE

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I share with my colleagues some 
very exciting news coming out of my home state of Georgia. Earlier this 
month, two giant pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, were delivered safely 
by UPS from Beijing, China to their new home at Zoo Atlanta after a 17-
hour global journey.
  Zoo Atlanta Director Dr. Terry Maple ``signed'' for the special 
delivery during a welcoming ceremony at Atlanta's Hartsfield 
International Airport with more than 200 dignitaries and elementary 
school children looking on. The very special delivery brings to six the 
total number of rare giant pandas now residing in the United States.
  I would like to recognize the special role that UPS has played in 
this long journey to bring the pandas to their new home. UPS became 
involved with the panda transport when Zoo Atlanta officials asked for 
their help in the construction and maintenance of the panda habitat. 
The UPS Foundation agreed to give $625,000 over five years to fund the 
habitat project at the zoo, and also agreed to provide all the 
logistical support necessary to move the pandas from Beijing to 
Atlanta.
  The move involved over 100 UPS employees in six cities from around 
the world (Atlanta, Louisville, Anchorage, Singapore, Hong Kong and 
Beijing) covering travels of 7,526 miles. There were backup flight 
crews and a backup aircraft in place in case of health problems or 
mechanical failures, customs support people to smooth the process of 
bringing the animals onto U.S. soil, and even a UPS manager to 
accompany the two-person flight crew and act as load master.
  UPS also flew two Chinese and one American veterinarians from Beijing 
to Atlanta. The animals were unloaded by UPS air gateway employees and 
placed in UPS package cars (the familiar brown delivery truck) that 
were specially marked with panda graphics. The vehicles (four trucks, 
two as back ups in case of mechanical problems) were driven by 
specially chosen Circle of Honor members, UPS drivers who have driven 
for 25 years or more without an accident. The package cars were 
outfitted with air conditioning and heating units for the animals.
  This exciting new addition to the Atlanta landscape would not have 
been possible without the hard work, dedication and financial support 
of many people, especially at Zoo Atlanta and UPS. I am thrilled that 
Atlanta will be a part of such an important exchange and friendship 
endeavor with the people of China and I am proud of the support and 
enthusiasm that have showered Lun Lun and Yang Yang throughout their 
journey and now that they are in their new home.

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