Panda Shop at the San Diego Zoo
Members of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservation and care team met our Chinese conservation partners at the Wolong and Bifengxia Panda Bases.
They had previously seen photos of Xin Bao and Yun Chaun and this was a chance for them to meet the giant pandas in person.
This special visit also allowed the team a chance to collaborate with the giant panda care specialists to create a nutritional and specialized care program for Yun Chaun and Xin Bao.
Meet Xin Bao!
Pronounced Sing Bao, Xin Bao is a 4-year-old female panda. Her name means “new treasure of prosperity and abundance” and according to her caretakers, the name is spot on.
They describe her as “a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears.”
Xin Bao was born at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan province.
Meet Yun Chuan!
Pronounced Yoon Chu-an, giant panda Yun Chuan has a direct connection to the San Diego Zoo!
His grandmother is none other than Bai Yun!
Yun Chuan’s mother, Zhen Zhen (Jen Jen) was born to Bai Yun and Gao Gao at the zoo in 2007.
Yun Chuan’s caretakers describe him as a nearly 5-year-old panda that’s “mild-mannered, gentle and lovable.”
What’s Behind a Name?
As the saying goes, “What’s in a name?”
“Yun” heralds back to his grandmother, while “Chaun” refers to his home in the province of Sichuan, the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base.
It’s a special name that highlights the special relationship between our two countries and our mutual conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the giant pandas.
As Dr. Megan Owen, the vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said, “It was an honor to see Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in person and meet our conservation partners caring for them at the Wolong and Bifengxia Panda Bases.
Yun Chuan’s lineage has deep connections to the San Diego Zoo and we’re excited by the prospect of caring for them.”