Two giant pandas are on their way from China to the San Diego Zoo, the first pair of pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, according to the zoo’s press release.
U.S. officials and leaders of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance joined Chinese dignitaries and conservation leaders in China’s Sichuan province to bid farewell to the pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, in a ceremony.
“This farewell celebrates their journey and underscores a collaboration between the United States and China on vital conservation efforts,” Paul Baribault, president of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said in a statement. “Our long-standing partnership with China Wildlife Conservation Association has been instrumental in advancing giant panda conservation, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the survival and thriving of this iconic species.”
The ceremony included cultural performances, video salutations from Chinese and American students, and a gift exchange, according to the press release.