San Diego Zoo Sets Official Panda Debut Date This Summer
If you’ve been wanting to see a rare giant panda at the San Diego Zoo, you’ll soon have your chance this summer.
The pair of giant pandas arrived from China at the San Diego Zoo earlier this summer as part of a new research agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Although they got to San Diego a few weeks back, the Zoo noted that they would need a while to adjust to their new environment.
Now, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced that the waiting period is almost over. Guests will be able to see the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo on Thursday, Aug. 8.
The occasion is a momentous one, as the pair of pandas — 5-year-old male Yun Chuan and 4-year-old female Xin Bao — are the first to enter the U.S. in 21 years. They’re also the first pandas at the San Diego Zoo since 2019.
“We are delighted to introduce Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to our San Diego Zoo community,” said Paul Baribault, CEO and president of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “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.”
The Zoo is offering several different ways that guests can experience the giant pandas, including a complimentary “Giant Panda Timed Ticket,” joining the standby line for viewing, or making a reservation for an hour-long “Early Morning with Pandas Walking tour.”
Additional information on the pandas, as well as ways to see them, is available at this link.
Media credit: Image courtesy of sandiegozoo.org
Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
