In June, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao made history as the first pandas to arrive in the U.S. in decades. The pair captivated audiences during their public debut at the San Diego Zoo in August.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has announced that the city’s zoo is also preparing to welcome its first pair of pandas from China. The arrival of two new bears at the National Zoo was revealed in May through a video featuring First Lady Jill Biden. Similar to the San Diego pandas, the departure of Bao Li and Qing Bao from China was cloaked in secrecy due to security concerns, particularly regarding “toxic” panda fans who oppose sending bears abroad out of nationalism or fears of mistreatment.
Shortly before their departure, four pandas—Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their twin cubs, Ya Lun and Xi Lun—returned to China from Zoo Atlanta.
The U.S. received its first two pandas from Beijing in 1972, following President Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China, which marked a significant milestone in U.S.-China relations. Pandas are endemic to China and are regarded as a national symbol.
China leases around 60 pandas to more than 20 countries, with the proceeds supporting conservation initiatives. However, financial challenges can arise; recently, a zoo in Finland announced it would return its two pandas to China ahead of schedule due to funding issues.
Although giant pandas are no longer classified as endangered, only about 1,800 remain in the wild today, according to the World Wildlife Fund.