Chinese Pandas to be Officially Introduced to the Public at San Diego Zoo

Two pandas making their American debut are ready to meet you!

Almost a month and half after Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived in the United States from China, the public is finally getting the chance to see the pandas in person at San Diego Zoo beginning Thursday, Aug. 8.

Caretakers describe the 5-year-old male Yun Chuan as inquisitive, smart and a bit shy, while 4-year-old Xin Bao is more laid back.

“[Yun Chuan] loves his bamboo. He’s really comfortable in his habitat. He explores, and he’s curious,” Dr. Megan Owen, VP of Wildlife and Conservation Science for the San Diego Zoo, told “Good Morning America.”

Owen said the zoo has grown eight different species of bamboo to suit the bears’ palates.

“We give each of our pandas a choice so that they can tell us which are their favorites. And we need to balance that with what are the most nutritious species of bamboo for the bears,” she explained.

After snapping a stalk of bamboo in half, the pandas delicately use their teeth to remove the outside layer and eat the inner shoot, as well as the leaves and stems.

Because bamboo is relatively low in nutritional value, giant pandas consume about 40 pounds every day to meet their needs, so infants rely on mother’s milk and, in some cases, panda baby formula.

“Our team worked to develop a giant panda formula that increased the success rate for giant panda cubs’ survival from 5% to 95% — a really incredible contribution,” Owen said.

Tensions between the U.S. and China temporarily paused the panda lending program, but the resumption of so-called panda diplomacy is now being celebrated in both countries.

“We have so many things that we’re discussing at the global political levels that we see every day in the news. What’s powerful is this is something we both share priorities with, we both see the importance of wildlife conservation, we both understand it’s important to the world,” Paul Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, told “GMA.”

The pandas are the first to enter the U.S. in over two decades, according to the zoo.

Baribault previously made the announcement about the pandas’ official debut last month.

“We are delighted to introduce Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to our San Diego Zoo community,” he said in a statement at the time, via press release. “Our newest residents will bring joy to our visitors and symbolize the enduring spirit of international conservation efforts.”

For soon-to-be visitors who may need help differentiating the pandas, wildlife specialists said Yun Chuan has a “long, slightly pointed, nose tip,” and Xin Bao can be recognized by her “large, round face and big, fluffy ears.”

Since their arrival at San Diego Zoo on June 27, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been put in isolation to help them get acclimated to their new environment in the newly reimagined Panda Ridge, an innovative space built as their habitat, featuring trees for climbing, a wide variety of plants, and rolling hillsides that allow the pandas to navigate and explore vertically.

For the guests who want to experience the giant pandas, the zoo is offering three options, visitors can either obtain a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket on the day of their visit, join the standby line or get an exclusive 60-minute guide called Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour.

The San Diego Zoo is set to welcome a new and exciting addition to its animal family – Chinese pandas. These beloved creatures are set to be officially introduced to the public in the coming months, marking a significant milestone for both the zoo and conservation efforts.

The arrival of Chinese pandas at the San Diego Zoo is a result of a collaborative effort between the zoo and the Chinese government. The zoo has been working closely with Chinese officials to ensure the successful transfer and care of these iconic animals. This partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation and preservation.

Chinese pandas are known for their distinctive black and white fur, as well as their playful and gentle nature. They are considered a national treasure in China and are a symbol of peace and friendship. The San Diego Zoo is honored to be able to provide a home for these magnificent creatures and educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species.

The introduction of Chinese pandas to the public at the San Diego Zoo will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals and their natural habitat. The zoo will offer educational programs and interactive exhibits to raise awareness about the conservation efforts being made to protect pandas and their environment.

In addition to being a popular attraction for visitors, the presence of Chinese pandas at the San Diego Zoo will also contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts. By studying the behavior and biology of these animals, researchers can gain valuable insights into how to better protect and preserve them in the wild.

Overall, the introduction of Chinese pandas to the public at the San Diego Zoo is an exciting development that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and international cooperation. It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our natural world, and the need to work together to protect it for future generations. So be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo and say hello to these adorable creatures when they make their official debut!