Yun Chuan (yoon chu-an) and Xin Bao (sing bao), the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, made their public debut at the San Diego Zoo today following an opening ceremony for the Zoo’s much-anticipated new Panda Ridge habitat.

The panda pair that arrived at the San Diego Zoo from China earlier this summer will make their eagerly awaited public debut on Thursday, August 8, the Zoo announced today. The two are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years.

SAN DIEGO (June 26, 2024) – A delegation of representatives from the United States, including leaders of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, joined esteemed dignitaries and conservation leaders earlier today in China at the China Conservation & Research Center for Giant Pandas in Sichuan province for a farewell ceremony honoring the two giant pandas coming to the San Diego Zoo.

LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, and PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 16, 2023) – The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) is sharing early results from the historic vaccine trial for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors (Gymnogyps californianus). As reported by the Service’s Incident Command leading the effort, results from the first test group showed that 60% of the condors produced measurable antibodies that are expected to provide partial protection against mortality from HPAI if the birds are exposed. 

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 28, 2023) – Laughing youngsters and dancing adults joined in the fun this morning at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, as families took part in a kickoff celebration for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s annual Kids Free month—now in its 38th year. Entertainers from San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOWeen and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival thrilled and enchanted over a 100 youths and their families with dazzling performances and unique activities. Audience members will also be treated to special appearances by Dr. Zoolittle and Safari Parker, and took part in a special story time with author Georgeanne Irvine, who read “Teaching Tornero,” her sixth book in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Press’ heartwarming Hope & Inspiration Series.

SAN DIEGO (June 6, 2023) – Researchers are currently tracking over 40 wild ‘io, also known as Hawaiian hawks, on Hawai‘i Island with lightweight, solar-powered GPS transmitters. This work is part of a collaborative effort to conserve this beloved species and one of its natural prey—the ‘alalā. Researchers with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife are collaborating on this effort as part of a large-scale GPS tracking program to better understand the extent to which ‘io move across the island and how they utilize different habitats. With the new insights that are gathered, scientists will be better equipped to conserve this iconic raptor, and simultaneously glean critical insights to aid in the future reintroduction of the ‘alalā, also called the Hawaiian crow, to their native habitats. The aim is to ensure that both ‘alalā and ‘io can coexist in their native habitats, as they previously did for many years.

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 2, 2023) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Board of Trustees has welcomed two new members to its ranks. Bryan Min  and Jane Finley have joined the international organization’s board, sharing their expertise and professional knowledge while offering leadership insights, guidance, and support to the nonprofit’s vital wildlife conservation mission.

One of the world's oldest and rarest trees, the Wollemi pine was once believed to be extinct.

BOZEMAN, MONTANA (Jan. 26, 2022) – Polar Bears International is supporting a team of researchers from leading zoos and aquariums involved in the Polar Bear Research Council (PBRC) in devising a Masterplan to advance the understanding of polar bear biology and management by participating in scientific research that will help protect the world’s polar bears.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 5, 2022) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is welcoming two new members to its Board of Trustees. Gary E. Knell, former chairman of National Geographic Partners; and T. ʻAulani Wilhelm, senior vice president for Oceans at Conservation International; are joining the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance board at the start of January, helping to direct the international nonprofit organization’s operational strategies while maintaining a sharp focus on its vital wildlife conservation mission.