Staff Reports
Months after Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo bid farewell to its iconic giant pandas, a new pair is poised to make a grand entrance in California, signaling a revival of "panda diplomacy." The two pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, are set to join the San Diego Zoo, where they'll be under the care of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Megan Owen, the vice president of conservation science for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expressed her excitement about the pandas' upcoming arrival. She noted the deep-rooted connection between the San Diego Zoo and these charming bears. Yun Chuan, a 5-year-old male panda, is known for his calm demeanor, while Xin Bao, a 4-year-old female panda, is recognized for her gentle and playful personality.
"Panda Diplomacy" resurges with pair headed to San Diego Zoo! #Pandas #China #PandaDiplomacy https://t.co/OQklHYflFA
— Luke Gentile (@lukegentile21) April 29, 2024
Chinese conservation partners provided background information on both pandas' characteristics, but Owen stressed the unique experience of meeting them in person. She highlighted the importance of global cooperation in conservation efforts and reiterated the San Diego Zoo's commitment to protecting these unique creatures.
While the exact date of the pandas' arrival in San Diego remains unconfirmed, this development is a significant step in re-establishing "panda diplomacy," a tradition that has symbolized U.S.-China relations since 1972.
