San Diego Zoo Unveils New Giant Pandas

The world-famous San Diego Zoo wild park held a private event that gave attendees a sneak preview of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, a pair of Chinese giant pandas that were the first to enter the United States in 21 years.

Staff at the zoo said the pandas which arrived from China in late June were acclimating well to their new home in the private habitat.

“Giant pandas represent wildlife conservation, peace and friendship. This particular female, Xin Bao, is super intelligent. So inquisitive as well. Oh, and by the way, Yun Chuan, he is a super laid-back panda,” said San Diego Zoo Wildlife Ambassador Marco Wednt.

Yun Chuan, a five-year-old male is easily recognized by his long, slightly pointed nose, while Xin Bao is a four-year-old female with big fluffy ears whose name means a “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance”.

The zoo is working closely with Chinese experts to aid in the adaptation period and understanding of the needs of the two pandas. The pair are enjoying a variety of fresh bamboo and a local adaptation of "wotou", a traditional Chinese steamed corn bread that's also called “panda bread”.

China's communist government has long used "panda diplomacy" to enhance the country's soft power, lending the large but cuddly-looking black-and-white bears to zoos in various countries over the decades as goodwill animal ambassadors.

Wildlife ambassador for The San Diego Zoo, Marco Wednt, saying: “You know, all the conservation work we do, whether it be a rhino or polar bear, it's a group effort. We can't do it alone. So with our partners at China Wildlife Conservation Association, we've had a long standing, working with the fine people of China to help out with giant panda conservation.”

Wendt said this will continue to be an ongoing collaboration between the US and Chinese conservation efforts. The new Panda Ridge exhibit will be open to the public.