Un-BEAR-ievable news: the giant panda has returned to the United States! San Diego Zoo has welcomed a pair of charming giant pandas, capturing the hearts of visitors and animal enthusiasts alike. These adorable animals are not just a sight to behold; they also play an essential role in global conservation efforts aimed at protecting their endangered species. They also symbolized Chinese culture in the San Diego Zoo, making the zoo have more international cultures. With their arrival, the zoo is set to inspire a new wave of interest in wildlife preservation and education.

          Xinbao and Yunchuan, the newest additions to the San Diego Zoo, are not only adorable but also carry rich family legacies that enhance their importance. Xinbao (鑫宝, pronounced “singbao”), is a spirited four-year-old female from Wolong Sheng Shuping Panda Base. Her name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance” according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She is known for her playful energy and impressive climbing skills, captivating guests with her acrobatic displays. Her distinctive large, round face and prominent ears make her easily recognizable. 

          Meanwhile, Yunchuan (云川, pronounced “yoon chu-an”), is a five-year-old male with a quiet and gentle personality, hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the zoo’s history; he is the grandson of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, beloved giant pandas that enchanted visitors in the San Diego Zoo for years before. He is identified by his long, slightly pointed nose. His personality is peaceful so the first part of his name Yun means cloud, the second part of his name is Chuan which means big river, it comes from where he was born Sichuan, together his name is “big river of cloud.”

          Having undergone a month-long quarantine to ensure their health and safety, they made a much-anticipated public debut at the grand opening of the zoo’s new Panda Ridge habitat, being the first time in 21 years that giant pandas have been given to the United States. Their arrival symbolizes not just a celebration of wildlife but also a renewed commitment to conservation and education surrounding these amazing animals.

          The excitement surrounding Xinbao and Yunchuan has sparked a range of reactions from MECA students. Most of the MECA student’s comments were “They’re cute” and “I love pandas” echoing through the crowd. 

          However, some students voiced more critical perspectives. Freshman Iliana Maldonado noted feeling overwhelmed by the number of animals in the zoo, suggesting that some appeared depressed. 

          John Paul Mayoralgo (9) said that, “If they’re treating them well, then good, if not then bad.”

          Despite mixed feelings, most students were very excited about the giant pandas coming back to the San Diego Zoo, like Mason Myers, freshman, simply giving a thumbs up when being asked about his thoughts on the giant pandas.

          Angel Valdivias, a freshman at MECA who went to the zoo for his brother’s birthday, stated that “I was really excited to see the pandas,” although he was disappointed when he got to the exhibit and saw that “They were sleeping.” 

          Trinity Camacho, also a freshman at MECA, echoed a similar affection for the giant pandas, stating, “I love pandas. But you don’t see them as much because they’re not native here.” She also stated that “It was really fun… when you go to the zoo, you see the animals thriving.” 

          This mix of admiration, concern, and excitement shows how students engage with wildlife conservation and underscores the importance of experiences like this in helping them connect with nature and inspire a commitment to protecting it.

          Xinbao and Yunchuan, will be in San Diego for the next 10 years under a loan agreement, which will help conservation breeding efforts in China. Giant pandas are in danger of extinction since there are only about 1, 800 left in the wild. Since 1984, China stopped gifting giant pandas because of their decreasing numbers. Which resulted in them only loaning giant pandas to overseas zoo’s, but this did help China build trust with other countries and breed more giant pandas to increase their population. 

           In June, the giant pandas had to travel over 7,000 miles to San Diego and had to undergo weeks in quarantine so they could adjust to their new habitat. Finally, in August they made their debut at the San Diego Zoo with very many visitors to welcome them. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the United States, Toni G. Atkins, California state senator, Si Ping, deputy secretary general of China Wildlife Conservation Association, Todd Gloria, mayor of San Diego, and other U.S. Chinese dignitaries and civic leaders all showed up to appreciate Xinbao and Yunchuan, as they are a symbol of friendship between the Chinese and the Americans. 

           Overall, the arrival of the incredible giant pandas, Xinbao and Yunchaun represent the global conservation efforts aimed at protecting their endangered species. Not only is this a big step for conserving the population of giant pandas but also for China and America as they work together to bring some more cultural diversity into the San Diego Zoo.