Giant Pandas Make U.S. Debut at San Diego Zoo
After a month and a half journey from China, Yunchuan and Xinbao, two giant pandas, have finally made their U.S. debut at the San Diego Zoo. Governor Gavin Newsom even proclaimed Thursday as “California Panda Day” to celebrate their arrival.
Meet the Pandas: Yunchuan and Xinbao
Yunchuan, the 5-year-old male panda, is described as curious and smart, while Xinbao, the 4-year-old female, has a more laid-back personality. Visitors can expect to see Yunchuan’s long, pointed nose and Xinbao’s large, round face with furry ears.
Panda Conservation and Bamboo Diet
Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of wildlife and conservation sciences at the San Diego Zoo, oversees the pandas’ diet, which primarily consists of bamboo. With low nutritional value in bamboo, the pandas need to consume about 40 pounds a day to meet their dietary needs.
Transitioning between breaking bamboo in half and carefully eating the shoots, leaves, and stems inside, the pandas have a unique way of enjoying their favorite snack. The zoo even offers a variety of bamboo species for the pandas to choose from.
Furthermore, the zoo has developed a special panda formula that has significantly increased the survival rate of panda cubs, showcasing their dedication to conservation efforts.
Since their arrival on June 27, Yunchuan and Xinbao have been in quarantine to help them adjust to their new environment at Panda Ridge. Visitors have the opportunity to see them up close through timed panda tickets, waiting in line, or an exclusive guided morning tour with the pandas.
Overall, the arrival of Yunchuan and Xinbao symbolizes a renewed spirit of international conservation efforts and celebrates the importance of wildlife conservation.
