The arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first pandas to enter the United States in over two decades, is now capturing public attention as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance releases new photos of their settling process.
Yun Chuan, a nearly 5-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a nearly 4-year-old female, arrived at the zoo on June 27 and are currently acclimating in a private habitat. They will remain there for several weeks before being introduced to the public, according to zoo officials.
Describing Yun Chuan, the zoo notes his distinctive long, slightly pointed nose and his comfort in exploring grassy areas or climbing trees. In contrast, Xin Bao is characterized by her large, round face, fluffy ears, and a penchant for sunbathing quietly while focusing on her favorite foods.
To ensure the pandas’ comfort, the zoo provided fresh bamboo and a local version of wowotou, also known as “panda bread,” a traditional Chinese bun. The alliance emphasized that the pandas’ adjustment includes food adaptability exercises, weight monitoring, and daily health checks by veterinary teams from both countries to ensure their well-being in their new environment.
The zoo has not yet announced a specific date for when Yun Chuan and Xin Bao will be available for public viewing.