Archive
Caring for these much-loved bears is a privilege—and it is also a huge responsibility.
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.
Outcome-based Care practices are creating a whole new world for the species in our care.
Take a deep dive into the unique and semiaquatic world of the San Diego Zoo's river hippos.
It takes quick action and collaboration to care for wildlife in crisis. We're uniquely qualified to help.
Dive into the depths of water pollution issues and explore solutions for a more sustainable future.
SAN DIEGO, PALM DESERT, Calif. (April 15, 2024) – Seventy critically endangered Mojave desert tortoises have successfully emerged from their winter burrows after being reintroduced into their native habitat on Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the global authority on desert plant and wildlife conservation, are working in partnership with Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, using headstarting techniques designed to increase the survival rate for young tortoises. The cohort of young tortoises was the first in the program to be reintroduced into the wild after receiving a combination of an indoor- and outdoor-rearing. Within 24 hours of reentering their native habitat, the tortoises were exhibiting positive natural behaviors by constructing new burrows or modifying existing burrows for shelter. Now, six months later, they have emerged after winter brumation—a state of deep sleep specific to reptiles—and are spending more time basking at burrow entrances. Scientists are currently conducting health assessments and replacing radio transmitters on the tortoises to continue monitoring their success and better understand the juvenile age class.