Giant Pandas Make Historic Debut at San Diego Zoo's New Panda Ridge

San Diego Zoo has celebrated a momentous occasion with the unveiling of its new Panda Ridge habitat, marking the arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to set foot in the United States in over two decades. The grand opening ceremony, attended by a host of U.S. and Chinese dignitaries, highlighted the ongoing commitment to panda conservation and the strengthening of international relations.

The ceremony featured notable attendees including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. His Excellency Xie Feng, and several other key figures. The event also included a special Chinese cultural performance and the unveiling of a new artwork by renowned artist Shepard Fairey, known for his iconic "Hope" poster of former President Barack Obama. Fairey’s portrait, titled "Friendship Across the Earth," celebrates the legacy of Bai Yun, a beloved panda who resided at the San Diego Zoo for over 20 years.

Paul Baribault, President and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao. "We are delighted to introduce these remarkable giant pandas to the world," Baribault stated. "Our visitors will not only get to experience these incredible animals but also learn about our efforts to conserve them with the support of our Chinese partners."

Yun Chuan, a five-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a four-year-old female, arrived in late June and have since been acclimating to their new home. Panda Ridge, their expansive new habitat, is four times larger than the previous one and mirrors the lush landscapes of their native China. This expansion reflects the zoo’s dedication to providing a state-of-the-art environment for its residents.

The renewed panda partnership underscores a significant milestone in the 30-year conservation collaboration between the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. This partnership has been instrumental in the giant panda's status improvement from Endangered to Vulnerable, thanks to innovative conservation efforts including advances in reproductive techniques and the development of a specialized panda milk formula.

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can now experience the giant pandas through three options: obtaining a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket, joining the standby line at Panda Ridge, or booking an exclusive Early Morning with Pandas walking tour. Information about these options and more can be found on the zoo’s website.

The event also acknowledged the generous contributions of major donors Kenneth C. Griffin and Peng Zhao, whose support has been crucial in advancing panda conservation efforts. In recognition of their contributions, one of the habitats within Panda Ridge has been named in their honor.

The arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao symbolizes a renewed era of U.S.-China cooperation in wildlife conservation and promises to inspire future generations about the importance of preserving endangered species.