Pandas at San Diego Zoo set for Aug 8 public debut

The San Diego Zoo announced on Friday that the eagerly anticipated public debut of the giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who arrived from China earlier this summer, will take place on Thursday, Aug 8. These pandas are the first to enter the United States in 21 years.

"We are delighted to introduce Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to our San Diego Zoo community," Paul Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said in a statement. "Our newest residents will bring joy to our visitors and symbolize the enduring spirit of international conservation efforts. Together with our partners, we continue to make significant strides in ensuring a hopeful future for this iconic species."

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been at the zoo for 21 days. After this period of adaptation, both giant pandas are in excellent condition and have adjusted well to the food in the US, according to Huang Shan, breeding expert and director of the Animal Management Department at the Dujiangyan Base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center.

"Our feeding team has also prepared steamed buns and a variety of bamboo for them. Currently, there are six types of bamboo that our giant pandas really like, so both pandas are now very well adapted," Huang told China Daily.

Experts from China and the San Diego Zoo have collaborated on feeding exchanges, promptly documenting their opinions in writing and forming necessary procedures, including feeding protocols and training guidelines. Many of these guidelines are formulated into written rules for implementation, according to Huang.

Since their arrival in late June, the panda pair has been acclimating to their new home in the reimagined Panda Ridge space, which is four times larger than the zoo's previous panda habitat. It was inspired by famous geological formations in China and emulates mountains, canyons and cliffs and features new shade trees for climbing, a diverse array of plants, and rolling hillsides, allowing Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to navigate and explore vertically.

Ling Shanshan, veterinary expert, director of the Disease Prevention and Control Department at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center, said she appreciates the "lush and full of vitality" new panda enclosure provided by the San Diego Zoo.

"The enclosure features wide slopes, climbing frames, and thriving vegetation, creating a natural and comfortable new home for the pandas. Additionally, the bamboo landscaping not only provides food for the giant pandas but also offers an ideal space for them to play," said Ling.

Yun Chuan, a male nearly five years old, is identifiable by his long, pointy nose. His mother, Zhen Zhen, was the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007. Xin Bao, a nearly four-year-old female, is best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears.

The Zoo offers three ways for guests to experience the giant pandas. Visitors can obtain a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket or join the standby line on the day of their visit. Additionally, guests can reserve an exclusive 60-minute early morning panda walking tour.

renali@chinadailyusa.com