The San Diego Zoo is buzzing with excitement as two new giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, make their much-anticipated public debut. Wildlife Ambassador Marco Wendt from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance shares more about these newcomers and their adjustment to their new home.

Wendt notes that the pandas are thriving in their new habitat, which is four times larger than previous enclosures. He describes Yun Chuan, a five-year-old male, as laid back, with a preference for bamboo and a midday nap. Xin Bao, a four-year-old female, is curious and playful, embodying her name, which means “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance.”

The San Diego Zoo has a long history with giant pandas, and their arrival involved extensive planning. The zoo’s team, including conservation scientists, wildlife care specialists, and horticulturists, worked diligently to create an environment that mimics the pandas’ natural habitat in China. This includes a bamboo forest and varied terrain to make the pandas feel at home.

The pandas’ arrival is also a result of diplomatic efforts and ongoing collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Wendt highlights the zoo’s role in improving the conservation status of giant pandas, helping to shift them from endangered to vulnerable. The partnership has also led to advancements in panda care, including the development of a new panda milk formula that has significantly increased survival rates for young pandas.

Wendt emphasizes the importance of giant pandas as a flagship species, noting that efforts to protect them also benefit other wildlife in the region, such as the Asiatic black bear and snow leopard.

For those eager to see the pandas, the zoo offers several options, including a new ticketing system, standby lines, and a specialized morning tour for a more intimate experience. Wendt invites everyone to visit and experience the pandas firsthand, sharing his passion for wildlife conservation and the joy these animals bring to the public.