top line
Chinese authorities are preparing to send a pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, resuming symbolic “panda diplomacy” that had been hampered in the practice amid tensions between China and the United States.
File photo: Two new giant pandas arrive at San Diego Zoo, heralding the reopening of Pandas. … [+]
important facts
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said in a press release that team members recently visited Wolong Panda Base and Bifengxia Panda Base in China and met two pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who will be sent to the zoo. Stated.
The group said the specific date for the pandas’ arrival is “as yet unknown” but that it is “looking forward to the prospect of arrival this summer” after completing all “necessary formalities” with its U.S. and Chinese partners. said.
Yun Chuan is a 5-year-old “gentle male” born to his mother, Zhen Zhen, at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.
Xin Bao is a 4-year-old girl, described in a statement as “a kind, resourceful and introverted child with a gentle round face and big ears.”
The group said its leaders are meeting with partners from the China Wildlife Conservation Association to discuss other research and conservation efforts for pandas and their habitat.
news peg
The number of pandas living in US zoos has declined sharply in recent years as tensions between China and the US increase. The Memphis Zoo and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., returned the pandas to China last year after signing a loan agreement to keep them there. Animals were not updated. Zoo Atlanta’s four pandas are the only ones left in the U.S., but their loan agreement expires later this year.
Main background
Pandas have played a symbolic role in U.S.-China diplomacy since formal relations were established between the two countries in 1972. The first panda was sent to the United States shortly after President Richard Nixon’s visit that same year, and several more were sent to various zoos in the United States. Next he’s on a 10-year contract, usually he’s on a 10-year contract. However, as relations between the two countries have deteriorated, questions have been raised over the past few years about the continued existence of so-called “panda diplomacy.” However, during a visit to San Francisco last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted at a continuation of the gesture, saying: We stand ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation. ”
important quotes
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance says, “Although the conservation status of giant pandas is improving, much remains to be done to ensure that pandas continue on the path to recovery by maintaining healthy populations and thriving ecosystems.” “Efforts are needed.”
big number
1,800. According to the World Wildlife Fund, this is the total number of giant pandas left in the wild. These animals are classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are listed on the Red List of Endangered Species.
References
China’s president hints at the possibility of pandas returning to the US (Forbes)
National Zoo’s pandas leave D.C. for China, ending program President Nixon started 51 years ago (Forbes)
