[Panda eating bamboo leaves. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

In the span of two decades, no panda has yet to be exported to the U.S. from other countries around the world.

However, on July 1st of 2024, the San Diego Zoo welcomed the arrival of pandas Yun Chuan and Xian Bao.

The San Diego Zoo had once been home to several pandas between 1996 and 2019, but the animals were later returned to China as part of an agreement.

After a long hiatus, the zoo is once again home to these beloved creatures.

This new arrival of the two pandas signifies a historic moment in the zoo’s longstanding commitment to conservation and international cooperation, a grand event that many fans of the zoo have been excited for.

Yun Chuan, a four-year-old panda, and Xin Bao, a three-year-old panda, will reside at the San Diego Zoo for the next ten years.

San Diego mayor, Todd Gloria, put in efforts to show the city’s appreciation for China’s consideration by attending the pandas’ departure celebration before welcoming them into his city.

He expressed the city’s gratitude, saying that “I’m honored to have been invited to join in the farewell ceremonies in China for Yun Chuan and Xin Bao — the giant pandas coming to our @sandiegozoo!”

The pandas arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and were then transported to the San Diego Zoo.

They are currently undergoing a one-month quarantine to acclimate to their new environment.

As the pandas adapt to their new habitat, Chinese conservation experts will stay in the U.S. for a couple of months to help with the adjustment.

Visitors will have to wait until August 8 for the pandas’ public debut.

This cooperation between the U.S. and China brings to light the practice of “panda diplomacy,” which has been a long-standing gesture and strategy of goodwill for many decades in China.

Panda diplomacy has often been used as a way to ease tensions with Western countries, such as during the tension in Washington.

By sending pandas to international zoos, China supports conservation efforts and strengthens global relationships.

Though this arrival is not expected to significantly impact China-U.S. relations, it illustrates a shared commitment to wildlife protection and international cooperation.

The San Diego Zoo expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to host Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, pledging to provide the pandas with exceptional care.