Chinese pandas come to the US. “This hasn’t happened in two decades”

After traveling more than 11,000 kilometers, two giant pandas from China arrived at the San Diego Zoo. American reports of the event emphasized that it was the first time in 21 years that the animals had entered U.S. territory.

Giant pandas arrive in the US for the first time in two decades

Yun Chuan is a 5-year-old male, described as balanced, gentle and loving. He is the son of Zhen Zhenam, born in San Diego in 2007. His first name refers to his grandmother, who lived in the same zoo for 23 years. Xin Bao, on the other hand, is a nearly 4-year-old female, described as delicate and somewhat introverted, with a round face and large ears. Her name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance.”

Both pandas had to spend a week in quarantine and adjust to their new environment. They made their official debut at the California Zoo on Thursday, August 8. Governor Gavin Newsom declared the event California Panda Day.

“As the San Diego Zoo, we welcome new visitors to Panda Ridge this week. I encourage Californians to take advantage of this unique opportunity to appreciate one of our most iconic species and the important partnerships that are working to ensure its survival for generations to come,” the zoo said in a statement about once again welcoming giant pandas.

Giant pandas are an endangered species

Pandas are threatened with extinction. This is mainly due to the destruction of their natural habitat in China, poaching and the low number of births. A Chinese census of wild pandas conducted in 2015 estimated their population at 1,864 individuals living in the wild. At most one cub survives from one litter, which is why there is an ongoing campaign worldwide to save the species and breed pandas in protected conditions. The introduction of pandas born in captivity into the wild remains problematic. Scientists are still developing the best methods for this type of action.