Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared Aug. 8, 2024, as California Panda Day to celebrate the public debut of two giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo. It marks the first arrival of giant pandas in the U.S. in 21 years. (San Diego Zoo)
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Gov. Gavin Newsom declared Thursday (Aug. 8) as California Panda Day to mark the public debut of two giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo.
The pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, were the first to enter the United States in 21 years.
The San Diego Zoo will open its new Panda Ridge exhibit on Thursday, showcasing the pandas, which arrived earlier this summer.
Newsom emphasized the bear’s significance in California, noting its presence on the state flag and seal, and its importance to Native American tribes in his ceremonial proclamation.
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Five-year-old Yun Chuan is the offspring of Zhen Zhen, a panda born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.
“This conservation collaboration is part of California and China’s long history of working together towards shared goals,” said Newsom.
The last pandas to reside at the San Diego Zoo were returned to China about five years ago.
The San Diego Zoo invites visitors to experience Panda Ridge and appreciate the pandas’ role in global conservation efforts.