Two giant pandas are preparing for a journey from China to the United States, where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo. Although their arrival date has yet to be confirmed, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is collaborating with conservation partners in both the U.S. and China to hopefully bring them to the U.S. this summer.
The pandas, named Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, are part of a partnership between the San Diego Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Zoo staff had the opportunity to meet the pandas and their caretakers at the Wolong and Bifengxia Panda Bases in China.
Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expressed excitement about welcoming the pandas to San Diego, emphasizing the global effort to conserve and protect these remarkable animals.
Xin Bao, a 3-year-old female, is described as active, alert, and playful, with a talent for climbing. Her name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance,” reflecting the significance of pandas in Chinese culture and the zoo’s commitment to their well-being.
Yun Chuan, nearly 5 years old, has familial ties to the San Diego Zoo, with his lineage tracing back to pandas previously housed there. His gentle nature and endearing habits, such as humming to get attention and enjoying afternoon naps, have endeared him to caretakers and visitors alike.
The giant panda, once considered endangered, has made significant strides in conservation thanks to collaborative efforts between organizations like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Chinese conservation institutions. Projects aimed at improving panda population health and genetic diversity have contributed to the species’ resilience and recovery.
As the San Diego Zoo eagerly anticipates the arrival of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, they remain committed to their mission of conservation and education, inviting supporters to join them in their efforts to protect these beloved animals for generations to come.
