Continuing a Cross-National Bond: Chinese Giant Pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao Debut at San Diego Zoo

San Diego, August 8, 2024 — Two giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who were transported from China to the United States in June, made their highly anticipated debut at the San Diego Zoo on Thursday morning. The zoo held a grand ceremony to welcome the pandas, during which officials also opened their new habitat to the public. The event was attended by China’s Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the Mayor of San Diego, among other dignitaries. The debut of these pandas was widely seen as a symbol not only of their endearing nature but also of unity and goodwill.

Yun Chuan, four years old, and Xin Bao, three years old, were born at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan, China. Since arriving in Los Angeles on June 27, they have gradually adapted to their new home—a 6,000-square-foot private habitat known as “Panda Ridge.” This marks the first time in over two decades that China has sent giant pandas to the United States. According to the zoo, Yun Chuan is recognized for his “long, pointy nose,” while Xin Bao is beloved for her “large, round face and big, fluffy ears.”

San Diego Zoo staff have meticulously designed a new environment for the pandas to ensure their health and comfort. The arrival of these pandas has garnered widespread attention, with many animal enthusiasts eagerly visiting to catch a glimpse of the zoo’s adorable new residents. The pandas’ presence reestablishes the San Diego Zoo as a vital bridge for cultural exchange and friendship between China and the United States.

Ambassador Xie Feng

During the ceremony, Ambassador Xie Feng shared a humorous story: “Two young panda fans from California wrote to me, proposing to trade grizzly bears for pandas. I’m delighted to tell them that after eight months of joint efforts, we have finally brought Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to San Diego. Your dreams have come true, without having to give us grizzly bears,” his joke eliciting laughter from the audience.

Ambassador Xie further emphasized, “California has not only welcomed the pandas warmly but has also led the way in fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation with China.” He expressed hope that the pandas’ arrival would inject new energy into China-California exchanges and contribute to stabilizing the broader bilateral relationship.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Governor Gavin Newsom echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, highlighting the deeper significance behind the celebration. “This is not just about two pandas,” Newsom said. “It’s about exchange, understanding, and something much deeper and richer than the event itself. It’s about celebrating our shared humanity.”

Newsom praised the pandas’ arrival as a moment of pride and excitement, underscoring California’s commitment to global animal conservation. He declared August 8 as “California Panda Day” in honor of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao’s debut, stating, “Giant pandas are beloved worldwide, and their conservation story is an inspiring example of strong partnerships and innovative strategies to protect our natural heritage.”

This new habitat, “Panda Ridge,” reflects the sweeping landscapes of China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces. Four times larger than the zoo’s previous panda habitat, this reimagined space features shade trees for climbing and rolling hillsides for the pandas to explore. The habitat aims to recreate an environment similar to their native surroundings, ensuring that Yun Chuan and Xin Bao can thrive in their new home.

The pandas’ arrival fulfills a promise made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier this year to send giant pandas to the U.S. by the end of the year. The first pair of giant pandas arrived in the U.S. in 1972 at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., following President Richard Nixon’s historic diplomatic visit to China. This new chapter continues the legacy of panda diplomacy, strengthening the cultural ties and friendship between the two nations.

Yun Chuan’s mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 before returning to China in 2010. His grandmother, Bai Yun, lived at the San Diego Zoo for 23 years. Bai Yun and her partner, Shi Shi, were the first pandas sent to California in 1996, marking the beginning of a special connection between the panda family and San Diego. The arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao continues this unique cross-national bond, symbolizing ongoing cooperation in wildlife conservation between China and the United States.