Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to arrive in the United States in over two decades, made their public debut today at the San Diego Zoo, marking a significant moment in U.S.-China conservation efforts. The debut was part of the grand opening ceremony for the Zoo’s new Panda Ridge habitat.
The event was attended by prominent figures including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. His Excellency Xie Feng, California State Senator Toni G. Atkins, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. The ceremony featured a special Chinese cultural performance and the unveiling of an artwork by Shepard Fairey, celebrating the arrival of the pandas.
“We are delighted to introduce Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to the world,” said Paul Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. He emphasized the role of these pandas in inspiring global conservation efforts, particularly in partnership with China.
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The new Panda Ridge, four times larger than the Zoo’s previous panda habitat, is designed to resemble the lush landscapes of China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces. The habitat offers an immersive experience for visitors and ensures accessibility for people of all abilities.
The arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who have been acclimating to their new environment since June, symbolizes ongoing U.S.-China cooperation in wildlife conservation. Ambassador Xie Feng highlighted this collaboration as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can now experience the pandas through timed tickets, a standby line, or an exclusive Early Morning with Pandas walking tour. More details are available at sdzwa.org/giantpandas.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which celebrates 30 years of collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, has been instrumental in advancing giant panda conservation. Their efforts have contributed to the downgrading of the giant panda’s conservation status from Endangered to Vulnerable.
The debut of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao marks a new chapter in this successful partnership, with continued efforts aimed at protecting and preserving giant panda populations for future generations.
Source: Historic Day at San Diego Zoo as Giant Pandas Make Their Public Debut
