Since their arrival in late June, the pair have been acclimating well to their new home in the reimagined Panda Ridge. Four times larger than the previous panda enclosure, the newly refreshed and expansive environment mimics China’s natural landscapes, featuring canyons, mountains and cliffs, along with a new shade tree perfect for climbing.
Visitors to the zoo were able to get their first look at the two pandas on August 8 when they made their public debut. Yun Chuan, a nearly five-year-old male panda, has been described as having a “long, slightly pointed nose” and appears to be adapting well to his new home. Xin Bao, a nearly four-year-old female, is known for her “large, round face and big, fluffy ears,” alongside her love of sunbathing and bamboo.
San Diego Zoo has a long history of collaboration with Chinese conservation efforts, working closely with the Sichuan conservation centre since 1994 to advance research on giant panda behaviour, genetics and breeding.
From 1996 to 2019, San Diego Zoo hosted giant pandas and saw the birth of six cubs. The zoo's breeding program has made significant contributions to panda research, leading to a substantial body of published studies. Since 2019 there had been no pandas on site, but they made a triumphant return last week to the delight of local residents and tourists alike.
The zoo’s commitment to this program continues with thorough care for Yun Chuan and Xin Bao’s dietary needs, including a variety of fresh bamboo and a special adaptation of ‘panda bread,’ a traditional Chinese bun.
“Working together with our international partners to protect this iconic wildlife species, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for conservation and cultural exchange, benefiting our communities and the planet,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release.
Image credits to San Diego Zoo.
Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.