Meet Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo
Meet Xin Bao (sing bao), and Yun Chuan (yoon chu-an) – the pandas from China have finally arrived at the San Diego Zoo. These are the first pandas to enter the United States in over twenty years.
New Pandas at the San Diego Zoo
On August 8, 2024 the San Diego Zoo officially debuted the couple. The big event also included an opening ceremony for the Zoo’s much-anticipated new Panda Ridge habitat.The attendees included: Governor Gavin Newsom, His Excellency Xie Feng – Chinese ambassador to the United States,Toni G. Atkins – California state senator, Si Ping – deputy secretary general of China Wildlife Conservation Association, Todd Gloria – mayor of San Diego and additional U.S. and Chinese dignitaries as well as civic leaders. The event spotlighted a special Chinese musical and artistic performance. In addition an original Shepard Fairey artwork created to celebrate the occasion was also unveiled.
“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. “Guests will have an opportunity to visit with these remarkable giant pandas, be inspired by their importance, learn about all we do to help conserve them alongside our trusted Chinese partners, and join us to help protect their future.”
The Chinese ambassador to the United States His Excellency Xie Feng noted that the message was clear, to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties China-U.S. cooperation on panda conservation will not cease. He added, “Our people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation will not stop, and, once opened, the door of China-U.S. friendship will not be shut again.” Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Working together with our international partners to protect this iconic wildlife species, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for conservation and cultural exchange, benefiting our communities and the planet.”
The Pandas
While Yun Chuan is a five-year-old male, recognized by his long, slightly pointed nose. His mother, Zhen Shen (jen jen), was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007. Xin Bao is a four-year-old female, known for by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears. The pair has adjusted to their new home in the reimagined Panda Ridge since they arrived in late June 2024. Four times larger than the previous panda habitat, the newly refreshed and expanded Panda Ridge takes inspiration from the breathtaking, lush landscapes in and around giant pandas’ native habitats in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces in China.
Shepard Fairey
Artist Shepard Fairey is most known for his former President Barack Obama’s iconic “Hope” campaign poster in 2008. He created a portrait commemorating the giant pandas coming to San Diego titled Friendship Across the Earth.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the conservation partnership between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and China Wildlife Conservation Association. The collaboration has greatly advanced giant panda conservation, as well as helping to remove the giant panda’s status from Endangered to Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2016.
As of August 8, 2024, there are three ways to experience giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo. Visitors can obtain a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket upon their arrival at the Zoo to skip the wait, join the standby line at Panda Ridge. In addition attendees can make reservations for an exclusive Early Morning with Pandas walking tour. More information about Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, as well as how to experience them, is available at sdzwa.org/giantpandas.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
A nonprofit conservation leader, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels. This includes San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children’s hospitals in 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
So head to the San Diego Zoo to welcome this adorable couple. Be sure to check the website for entry fees, plus additional Panda Tour fees, hours, etc. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org
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