San Diego Zoo releases first-look photos of newly arrived panda pair

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance shared the first photos of pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao on Tuesday, as they settled into their new home at the zoo.

According to a statement from the alliance, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, arriving in San Diego on June 27. They are currently getting acclimated to their new habitat and the public will not be able to see them for several weeks.

Yun Chuan is "identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose", the statement said. The 5-year-old "seems to be extremely comfortable exploring the grass or climbing trees".

As a symbol of cooperation, Yun Chuan is the son of Zhen Zhen, who was born at San Diego Zoo in 2007, and the grandson of Bai Yun, who lived at the zoo for more than 20 years. Then-27-year-old Bai Yun and her son, Xiao Liwu, San Diego Zoo's last two giant pandas, were sent back to China in 2019 as the zoo's last conservation agreement with China ended.

Xin Bao, whose name means "a precious treasure of prosperity and abundance", is almost 4 years old and is notable for her large round face and big fluffy ears. She enjoys sunbathing quietly and eating her favorite food.

Bamboo and bread

Over the past week, the zoo has worked closely with Chinese experts to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of the pandas. They are given a variety of fresh bamboo and a local adaptation of wowotou, a traditional Chinese bun also known as "panda bread".

To help the pandas adjust to their new home, the expert teams have conducted food adaptability exercises and weight monitoring sessions. The statement said "veterinary teams from both countries are diligently monitoring the pandas' health, tracking their weight, appetite and other health indicators daily to ensure they thrive in their new environment".

The arrival of the pandas marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation and the ongoing collaboration between San Diego Zoo and its Chinese counterparts.

San Diego Zoo is the first US zoo to have a cooperative conservation program with Chinese partners. Located north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the zoo is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies.

Xinhua contributed to this story.