Historic diplomacy brings Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to San Diego, marking a significant milestone for U.S.-China relations.
SAN DIEGO — Thursday marked a significant moment as the San Diego Zoo officially unveiled two giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, to the public—a symbolic event underscoring the delicate diplomacy between the United States and China.
“This is truly one for the record books,” remarked Paul Baribault, President and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, during the opening ceremony. “Today, we celebrate collaboration on a global level.”
The arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in June marked the first time in over a decade that China has sent its iconic giant pandas to the United States. Since their arrival, the pair has been carefully acclimating to their new environment in a secluded area called Panda Ridge. The public got its first glimpse of the pandas in July, enjoying their new home designed with their comfort in mind.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also took the stage, expressing pride in the city’s role in hosting these new residents. “This is truly an extraordinary day for San Diego and our world-famous San Diego Zoo,” Gloria declared. “As mayor of this great city, I could not be prouder to be here to celebrate the grand opening of Panda Ridge and the new home to our newest San Diegans—Yun Chuan and Xin Bao.”
In preparation for the pandas’ debut, the zoo’s care teams collaborated closely with Chinese experts, ensuring the pandas’ dietary needs were met and monitoring their health and mobility.
The newly expanded enclosure, boasting approximately 6,000 square feet, offers an enhanced viewing experience for guests, accommodating up to 173 visitors at a time—more than double the capacity of the previous panda habitat.
Governor Gavin Newsom also attended the ceremony, though his comments reflected his usual focus on broad, abstract themes rather than the tangible significance of the event. He used the opportunity to speak about “celebrating our common humanity,” despite the clear geopolitical undertones of the panda exchange.
“We’re living in a world in the last number of years that’s full of stress and anxiety, full of division where people are exploiting our differences and not focusing on the things that bind us together,” Newsom said, leaning into the moment’s symbolic nature rather than its concrete achievements.
Zoo visitors can now access the Panda Ridge viewing area, although a complimentary “Giant Panda Timed Ticket” is required upon park entry. For those looking for an exclusive experience, the zoo offers a 60-minute “Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour.”
The San Diego Zoo remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with tickets available for purchase online or at the front gate.
