SAN DIEGO (July 9, 2024) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance proudly shares first-look photos of the highly anticipated panda pair as they continue settling into their new home at the San Diego Zoo. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, arrived safely in San Diego on the afternoon of June 27. They are acclimating well to their new home in a private habitat and will not be viewable to the public for several weeks.
Yun Chuan is an almost five-year-old male. His mother Zhen Zhen was born in 2007 and was the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo. He’s identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose and seems to be extremely comfortable whether he is exploring on the grass or climbing trees. Xin Bao is a nearly four-year-old female whose name means “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance.” She is best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears, and she enjoys sunbathing quietly and focusing on her favorite food.
Over the past week, the San Diego Zoo worked closely with Chinese experts to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of the giant pandas. The teams provided a variety of fresh bamboo and even created a local adaptation of wowotou, a traditional Chinese bun also called “panda bread.” To help the pandas adjust to their new home, the teams conducted food adaptability exercises and weight monitoring sessions. Additionally, veterinary teams from both countries are keeping a close eye on the pandas' health, tracking their weight, appetite and other health indicators daily to ensure they thrive in their new environment.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will share more information—including a date and how to see the beloved pandas—as soon as it becomes available. For the latest information on giant pandas, please visit sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children’s hospitals in 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
