Panda Ridge, the New Home for Yun Chuan and Xin Bao , Opens Following Celebration Attended by US and Chinese Dignitaries SAN DIEGO , Aug. 8, 2024 /CNW/ -- Yun Chuan (yoon chu-an) and Xin Bao (sing bao), the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, made their public debut at the San Diego Zoo today following an opening ceremony for the Zoo's much-anticipated new Panda Ridge habitat. The ceremony was attended by Gavin Newsom , governor of California ; His Excellency Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the United States ; Toni G.
Atkins , California state senator; Si Ping, deputy secretary general of China Wildlife Conservation Association; Todd Gloria , mayor of San Diego ; and other U.S. and Chinese dignitaries and civic leaders.
The event included a special Chinese musical and artistic performance and the reveal of an original Shepard Fairey artwork created to celebrate the occasion. "We are delighted to introduce Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to the world," said Paul Baribault , president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "Guests will have an opportunity to visit with these remarkable giant pandas, be inspired by their importance, learn about all we do to help conserve them alongside our trusted Chinese partners, and join us to help protect their future.
" "Last November, President Xi Jinping announced in San Francisco that China is ready to continue cooperation with the U.S. on panda conservation," said His Excellency Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the United Stat.