TWO giant pandas are to be shipped by Federal Express from Beijing to Memphis Zoo in the US city of Memphis, Tennessee, accompanied by vets from the two countries, on April 7.

　　Le Le, a four-year-old male panda from Shanghai Zoo, and Ya Ya, a two-year-old female panda from Beijing Zoo, will travel onboard a custom-decaled MD-11 jet, known as "the FedEx Panda Express," during the trans-Pacific journey.

　　The two pandas are part of the education and conversation programme between China and the United States. They will stay in the Memphis Zoo for 10 years. If they give birth to any young during their stay there, the panda cubs will be delivered back to China.

　　The FedEx global network offers unparalleled service to and from Asia. Its experience in shipping delicate cargo helped it to win the contract for this special delivery, according to President and CEO of FedEx Express, David J. Bronczek.

　　The carrier will provide the necessary air transportation, ground transportation and logistical support to move the animals. The departure and arrival airports will be chosen so as to minimize unnecessary travel and handling of the two animals. The transport cost is expected to reach US,000.

　　During the 15-hour flight, the pandas will stay in two constant-temperature custom-built "5-star" containers and fresh bamboo from Southwest China's Sichuan Province will always be available. The host zoo will open a special hospital, bedroom and living room for the two treasured guests.

　　The two pandas will depart Beijing on April 7, fly eastward, cross the International Date Line, and make their first US stop in Anchorage, Alaskaswheresthe plane will refuel and change crews.

　　In Anchorage, FedEx will use its customs clearance expertise to expedite the shipment through US Customs. While flight times can vary due to weather and wind conditions. The FedEx Panda Express is expected to arrive at Memphis International Airport on Monday, April 7.

　　Due to security restrictions, all panda shipment departures and arrivals at the various airports will be closed to the general public. Exact departure and arrival times are not published.

　　To ensure the safe delivery of the two pandas, vets from the Memphis Zoo and the two Chinese zoos have been granted special flight privileges so that they can accompany the pandas onboard the plane. Le Le has already joined Ya Ya in Beijing and both are being prepared for the coming trip.