San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance posee shareD first-look photos of the highly anticipated panda pair as they continue settling into their new home at the San Diego Zoo. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, arrived safely in San Diego on the afternoon of June 27. They are acclimating well to their new home in a private habitat and will not be viewable to the public for several weeks.
Yun Chuan (right) is an almost 5-year-old male. His mother Zhen Zhen was born in 2007 and was the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo. He’s identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose and seems to be extremely comfortable whether he is exploring on the grass or climbing trees.
Xin Bao (above) is a nearly 4-year-old female whose name means “a precious treasure of prosperity and abundance.” She is best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears, and she enjoys sunbathing quietly and focusing on her favorite food.
Over the past week, the San Diego Zoo worked closely with Chinese experts to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of the giant pandas. The teams provided a variety of fresh bamboo and even created a local adaptation of wowotou (“woe-woe-toe”), a traditional Chinese bun also called “panda bread.”
To help the pandas adjust to their new home, the teams conducted food adaptability exercises and weight monitoring sessions. Additionally, veterinary teams from both countries are keeping a close eye on the pandas’ health, tracking their weight, appetite, and other health indicators daily to ensure they thrive in their new environment.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will share more information — including a date and how to see the beloved pandas — as soon as it becomes available. For the latest information on giant pandas, visit sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas.
