Panda-monium is only just getting started. One year ago, we welcomed giant pandas Xin Bao and Yun Chuan to the San Diego Zoo. They were the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, kicking off a new chapter of collaborative conservation with our Chinese partners and bringing renewed hope to the future of their endangered species. Since the opening of Denny Sanford Panda Ridge, this pair has spread friendship across the Earth and inspired countless others to join us in saving, protecting, and caring for pandas and their bamboo forest ecosystems.
Earlier this spring, we shared some updates on how the dynamic duo has been settling into Panda Ridge. Now, let’s tumble in and explore a few incredible moments throughout their first year here.
Xin Bao has a large round face, fluffy ears, and a distinctive bow-shaped marking on her back.
(Giant) New Neighbors
Last August, wildlife allies like you connected with the bears for the very first time in San Diego. Together we met Xin Bao, whose name means “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance.” She’s best recognized by her large round face, big, fluffy ears, and a distinctive bow-tie shaped marking on her back.
We also got to know Yun Chuan. He’s identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose and the solid black stripe across his back. His arrival also marks a full-circle moment in our 30 years of collaborative conservation efforts. Yun Chuan is the son of Zhen Zhen, who was born at the Zoo in 2007, and the grandson of Bai Yun, who lived here for decades.
Not too long after their debut, our Giant Panda Cam launched. With this extraordinary broadcast, you can experience the pandas from anywhere in the world as they climb, tumble, nap, and—most importantly—munch on fresh bamboo.
Countless allies have connected with Xin Bao and Yun Chuan at Panda Ridge since it opened.
VIPs: Very Important Pandas
The pandas’ first year continued with lots of fun at the Zoo. In February, we rang in Lunar New Year in style, slithering into the Year of the Snake. There were plenty of exciting activities, traditional crafts, and opportunities to learn about how you’re helping make a difference for Asian wildlife through our Asia Conservation Hub. The weekend was a joy-filled way to connect culture and conservation while honoring giant pandas and their origins.
Fast forward to March, and it was none other than National Panda Day! To mark the occasion, the first 2,000 kids (ages 11 and under) who visited Panda Ridge received their very own pair of panda ears to wear. This day brought allies of all ages together to celebrate our shared love for wildlife and highlight the importance of conservation.
During the dynamic snow experience, Xin Bao brought her bamboo on top of the snow-covered ground to enjoy.
Snow Day
When the weather’s warm, you might see Xin Bao and Yun Chuan making a splash in the water. But they have been known to enjoy a fresh powder day, too. Giant pandas’ native misty bamboo forests are spread throughout a variety of mountainous terrain across the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu in South Central China and they do sometimes encounter snow. So with that in mind, our expert Wildlife Care team prepared a very cool day just for the bears.
The two pandas had a (snow)ball during this dynamic experience. It encouraged a series of new behaviors and decision-making opportunities that align with seasonal changes they’d encounter in native habitats. Xin Bao gathered her bamboo and took it above the snow-covered ground to chow down. Yun Chuan, on the other hand, followed a different strategy. He slid around on the blanketed landscape and ended up waiting until after the snow melted to forage for his food.
Yun Chuan approached the snow day differently by sliding around on the blanketed ground.
Looking Ahead
Recently, both Xin Bao and Yun Chuan had bear-y special celebrations. Xin Bao turned five, while Yun Chuan turned six. Their birthdays remind us that the best is yet to come, both in our journey of caring for these remarkable bears and for giant panda conservation efforts.
Together with our Chinese partners, our work in the years ahead will address vital issues of giant panda health and well-being, help prepare pandas for future translocations into native habitats, develop new and emerging technologies for conservation strategies, and share insights to help conserve this keystone species and their fragile ecosystems.
On your next visit to Panda Ridge, take in the experience. Look, listen, and engage with the unique and intriguing world of giant pandas—full of large trees for climbing, bamboo for eating, and rolling hillsides ready for exploration. With the support of wildlife allies like you, we’re helping giant pandas thrive for generations to come. We can’t wait for more moments of connection, joy, and panda-filled fun, and we can’t wait to see you at the San Diego Zoo!
Discover how you’re making a difference for giant pandas and other wildlife through our Asia Conservation Hub.
