Panda Stories: From Cigarettes to Panda-Monium
Interesting Beginning
In February 1972, during US President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China, First lady Pat Nixon noticed at a banquet a small tin of Chinese cigarettes bearing the logo of two giant pandas.
“Aren’t they cute?” she said to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai sitting next to her. “I love them.”
Premier Zhou replied: “I’ll give you some.”
That year, giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing arrived at the National Zoo in Washington D.C., with a Panda-monium breaking out in America. Panda became a symbol of friendship and growing relationship between China and the US.
Fruitful Cooperation
In 1994, the San Diego Zoo, with its expertise and reputation in preserving endangered species, became the first zoo in the US to sign a cooperative agreement on giant panda conservation with China.
The first two giant pandas Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived in San Diego in 1996. After that, many groundbreaking “firsts” followed through. The first successful assisted panda reproduction outside of China. The first panda cub to survive and thrive in the US. The first-ever ultrasound conducted on a giant panda. And an increase of cub survival rate from 5% to 95%.
The 30-year conservation partnership between China and San Diego Zoo has not only contributed to the downgrading of giant pandas’ status from Endangered to Vulnerable, but also set an example of how China and the US can work together toward a shared goal.
Temporary Farewell
In 2019, people flocked to the San Diego Zoo to bid farewell to its last two giant pandas, Baiyun and Xiao Liwu, before their departure for China.
Many drove hours to take a look at the pandas. Local residents said that pandas are part of their growing memories. The elderly came in wheelchairs. Kids broke down in tears. A panda friendship wall was put up and filled with messages of best wishes. The American people’s love for panda was made manifest in the farewell.
“Giant” Return
In June 2024, a new chapter of giant panda conservation and China-US friendship has begun. With much anticipation and excitement, Chinese giant pandas returned to San Diego Zoo. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao made public debut on August 8, announced by Governor Newsom as “California Panda Day”.
People waited in line for more than an hour to meet the new pandas. Those who grew with Bai Yun came back with their children. A woman made a panda T-shirt with photos of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao on it. Visitors from South California and other parts of the US celebrated the Chinese New Year with the two pandas at San Diego Zoo this year. Many people shared joy and happiness together and felt more interconnected than ever.
The cooperation on giant panda conservation sows seeds of peace and friendship that transcend borders. Pandas, as envoys of friendship, carry the warmth and goodwill of Chinese and American people. These are the panda stories of the US as well as the stories of us, the two peoples. New stories are being written and the tree of China-US friendship will continue to grow.
