Newsom proclaims ‘California Panda Day’ in honor of debut at San Diego Zoo
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a ceremonial proclamation declaring Thursday as “Panda Day,” in honor of the long-anticipated debut of the San Diego Zoo’s new giant pandas — the first to arrive in the country in over 21 years.
The panda duo, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, entered the U.S. after a long journey from China on June 27, much to the excitement of locals and visitors alike. Since then, they have since been acclimating to their new home at the San Diego Zoo, called “Panda Ridge.”
Newsom’s proclamation, issued less than a day before their first public appearance, expressed pride that Southern California’s premier zoo was the first to receive another set of the beloved bears from China, who have long utilized them as “envoys of friendship” aboard.
Debut date announced for pandas at San Diego Zoo, along with video
The last pandas to reside in America’s Finest City were sent back to China about five years ago.
“The bear has long held pride of place in California as a symbol of our state’s spirit and strength, from our state flag and seal to its enduring significance for Native American tribes across the state,” the proclamation read. “This week, California is proud to celebrate another iconic bear as a pair of giant pandas make their public debut at the San Diego Zoo.”
It went on to tout the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s enduring commitment to conservation efforts as the first zoological organization in the country to establish a cooperative program with the goal of preserving, caring for and growing the giant panda population.
Yun Chuan, one of the two pandas loaned to San Diego, is a testament to these efforts, Newsom said. The four-year-old male’s mother, Zhen Zhen, was born in America’s Finest City back in 2007.
“Giant pandas are beloved around the world and their conservation story is an inspiring example of strong partnerships and innovative strategies to protect the world’s natural heritage,” Newsom said in the proclamation.
“As the San Diego Zoo welcomes visitors to Panda Ridge this week,” he continued, “I encourage Californians to take this unique opportunity to appreciate one of the most iconic wildlife species and recognize the important partnerships at work to help them thrive for generations to come.”
The full text of the governor’s proclamation can be found here.
Newsom is also expected to travel down to San Diego on Thursday for grand opening of Panda Ridge, San Diego Zoo officials said. Public viewing will officially begin at noon after a special opening ceremony.
San Diego Zoo officials confirmed in February that they would be the first American organization to receive pandas after Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled plans to renew their use as diplomatic symbols of friendship with the U.S.
The San Diego Zoo was one of several wildlife groups that were gifted a pair of pandas by China over the years since 1972, when Beijing and Washington, D.C. entered into a loan agreement amidst normalization efforts between the two nations.
The loans were later expanded to help breeding and conservation efforts. In the 30 years pandas resided at the San Diego Zoo, care teams made great strides studying how to protect and recover the giant panda population, as well as the bamboo forests they rely on.
Through these efforts alongside other conservation groups, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List downgraded the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2021.
In anticipation of the bears’ arrival, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance made major upgrades to its existing panda enclosure, expanding it to around 6,000 square feet in size, according to an application submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Alliance. The guest viewing capacity was also doubled from about 80 people to 173 people.
While Panda Ridge will be able to accommodate more people, both the zoo and San Diego officials are still expecting quite a bit of pandemonium with their official return.
The zoo is offering three ways for guests to experience the giant pandas: through the complimentary “Giant Panda Timed Ticket,” a standby line, and a paid 60-minute experience, “Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour.”
Traffic and parking is also likely to be impacted around Balboa Park, where the zoo is located. For those headed to the debut, tips about how to get around can be found here.
‘Panda-monium at San Diego Zoo: parking tips and how to view bears
Meet the Pandas
Yun Chuan, a four-year-old male, was described as mild-mannered, gentle and lovable. He also already has ties to the San Diego Zoo: His mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the zoo back in 2007. His grandmother, Bai Yun, lived at the San Diego Zoo for 23 years.
He is identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose, according to the Wildlife Alliance. He also appears to be quite comfortable both exploring on the grass or climbing trees.
Xin Bao, a three-year-old female, was described as an introvert who is gentle, but witty. She has a sweet round face and big, fluffy ears. Zoo officials said her name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance.”
Since arriving in San Diego, she has become known for quietly sunbathing and focusing while munching on her favorite foods.
Xin Bao plays in his private enclosure at the San Diego Zoo. (Courtesy of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance) Yun Chuan sits in her private enclosure at the San Diego Zoo. (Courtesy of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance)
Both pandas were born at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan, according to the zoo.
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