On August 8, Panda Ridge at the San Diego Zoo opened to the public, allowing access to the two newest furriest friends from China, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan. This is the first pair of pandas to be sent in 21 years, and these adorable bears represent the hope of improving relations between China and the U.S.
While entering, we walked downhill past other bear enclosures, such as the grizzly or sloth bear. While less cuddly-looking, they were very adorable! For the opening ceremony there was a stage, rows of chairs, a platform for media, and, of course, the ribbon and curtain under Panda Ridge's entrance arch. It all seemed very celebratory, while the band of traditional Chinese instruments warmed up.
While Xin Bao, the female, was resting, we got to spend an hour with Yun Chuan, along with the other press and some visitors. He was munching away on the piles and piles of bamboo. He sat like a toddler surrounded by leaves. Yun Chuan wasn't fazed at all by the large group of press and other guests staring at him, and yet somehow seeing this cuddly bear made everyone happier. The media joked, and everyone was excited for what was to come. Suddenly the drive to get there was worth it because that panda was so cute!
"[Yun Chuan's] name means river of cloud," said the Ambassador of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Marco Wendt when asked about the pandas. "And his personality is a laid back panda. ... We also have Xin Bao, which means precious treasure of prosperity and abundance. She is inquisitive, she is playful, and super intelligent as well."
After our time viewing the panda, the ceremony started. While there were many important people there, it still seemed lighthearted. Chinese dancers performed, then Paul Baribault, the President and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, took the stage. There were speeches from others, like the Mayor of San Diego, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, and the California Governor Gavin Newsom, who declared August 8 California Panda Day!
Governor Newsom also spoke about the role pandas play in our relations with China as ambassadors of peace. "This is about something much deeper, much richer, than just the two beautiful pandas we celebrate. It's about celebrating our common humanity."
Renowned artist Shepard Fairey was also in attendance, who created a piece of art for the event featuring a giant panda. Fairey said that pandas are, "the "only thing that's universally loved." He has been working in conservation with many animals for almost 30 years through his art, inspiring people and "connecting to a part of us that responds to nature," he said during an interview.
After the speakers, it was time for the official ribbon cutting for Panda Ridge! There were more festivities, and we were able to interview some of the speakers. The panda exhibit was set to open to the public at noon, letting in the many excited fans. The pandas are important ties between China and the United States, and will stay here for 10 years. Panda Cams have been confirmed to return, so people across the country will be able to watch these lovable animals.
If one thing can bring a community together, it's pandas. They are well taken care of by zoo staff and adored by visitors. The support and effort to bring the pandas back is inspiring. As Zoo Ambassador Marco Wendt says, "To me, giant pandas represent unity." I agree.
Reader Comments(0)