Historic Arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to arrive in the United States in over two decades, officially debuted at the San Diego Zoo today. This momentous event celebrates the opening of the Zoo’s highly anticipated Panda Ridge habitat. This new facility, designed to mirror the lush environments of the pandas’ native China, offers a more spacious and enriched environment for these endangered animals.
Ceremony and Dignitaries
The grand opening ceremony was honoured by distinguished guests including Gavin Newsom, Governor of California; His Excellency Xie Feng, Chinese Ambassador to the United States; Toni G. Atkins, California State Senator; Si Ping, Deputy Secretary General of the China Wildlife Conservation Association; and Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego. Other U.S. and Chinese dignitaries also joined the celebration. The event showcased a captivating Chinese musical performance and unveiled a special artwork by Shepard Fairey, commissioned to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Welcoming Remarks
His Excellency Xie Feng emphasized the importance of the pandas’ arrival: “The presence of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in San Diego signifies the enduring partnership between China and the U.S. in the realm of panda conservation. This visit, aligning with the 45th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, highlights our continued dedication to panda conservation and the deepening of our bilateral partnership.
Paul Baribault, President and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, shared his excitement: “Introducing Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to our visitors is a thrilling moment for us. This opportunity allows guests to engage with these incredible pandas, learn about their significance, and support our collaborative conservation initiatives.”
Special Artwork by Shepard Fairey
A special portrait by Shepard Fairey, renowned for his “Hope” campaign poster, was revealed during the ceremony. Entitled ‘Friendship Across the Earth,’ the artwork honours Bai Yun, a cherished panda who lived at the San Diego Zoo for more than 20 years. The portrait features symbolic elements such as the globe and bamboo patterns, celebrating Bai Yun’s legacy and her impact on giant panda conservation.
30 Years of Conservation Partnership
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the collaboration between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Over these decades, their joint efforts have achieved notable advancements in panda conservation. Significant achievements include the development of a specialized milk formula and neonatal care techniques that have greatly increased the survival rates of panda cubs. Additionally, advanced reproductive techniques and GPS tracking of wild pandas have furthered conservation efforts.
Visitor Information
Guests can experience the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo through various options:
- Receive a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket upon arrival to bypass the queue.
- Join the standby line at Panda Ridge.
- Make reservations for the exclusive Early Morning with Pandas walking tour, with advance bookings available at https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas .
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends its heartfelt thanks to donors Kenneth C. Griffin and Peng Zhao for their generous support. Their support has been instrumental in the creation of Panda Ridge and the ongoing efforts in panda conservation.
