San Diego Zoo shares first look at new giant pandas following their arrival in US
San Diego's newest giant pandas are acclimating well to their new state-side home, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said Tuesday.
The zoo shared first-look photos of the pair, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who are the first giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, according to the zoo.
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Since their arrival in the Golden State on June 27, the zoo says, "They are acclimating well to their new home in a private habitat and will not be viewable to the public for several weeks."
Photos of the new residents show Yun Chuan chomping on a blade of grass and Xin Bao lounging in her enclosure.
According to zoo officials, Yun Chuan is nearly five years old and his mother, Zhen Zhen, was born in 2007 and was the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo.
Yun Chuan is "identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose and seems to be extremely comfortable whether he is exploring on the grass or climbing trees," zoo officials wrote.
Xin Bao is a nearly four-year-old female whose name means “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance," according to the zoo.
"She is best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears, and she enjoys sunbathing quietly and focusing on her favorite food," a news release from the zoo says.
To prepare for the giant pandas' arrival, zoo officials worked with Chinese experts to meet their dietary needs and preferences.
Zoo officials said, "The teams provided a variety of fresh bamboo and even created a local adaptation of wowotou, a traditional Chinese bun also called 'panda bread.' To help the pandas adjust to their new home, the teams conducted food adaptability exercises and weight monitoring sessions. Additionally, veterinary teams from both countries are keeping a close eye on the pandas' health, tracking their weight, appetite and other health indicators daily to ensure they thrive in their new environment."