Even a mayor, governor and diplomat couldn’t outshine the San Diego Zoo’s newest celebrities Thursday, as a long line of admirers formed to greet the first two giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years. On loan from China, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao made their public debut to an adoring crowd. Not only are the zoo’s newest residents the “furriest, cutest San Diegans,” according to Mayor Todd Gloria, these pandas are diplomats, symbolizing hope for future generations of their species.
“We are so glad to have them here,” Gloria said. “I cannot wait for San Diego to see these two magnificent creatures, and by doing so, to recommit ourselves to the important work of conserving the giant panda ..
. in celebration of two cultures coming together to do something truly magnificent.” Chinese dignitaries and local elected officials, including Gov.
Gavin Newsom, welcomed the pandas to San Diego with a private ceremony Thursday morning, complete with entertainment from traditional Chinese dancers and singers. By early afternoon, hundreds of zoo visitors had gathered outside Panda Ridge, the zoo’s newly renovated habitat for the pandas, anxiously awaiting their turn to meet the duo. “It’s just such a great message of conservation and preservation for all the animals for our future,” said former San Diego Zoo volunteer Keena Butcher.
China owns and leases all giant pandas in U.S. zoos and has loaned the animals for decades as “panda diplomacy” to strengthe.