China plans to send a new pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo as a gesture of friendship toward the United States. The move comes after most pandas on loan to U.S. zoos were returned amid strained relations between the two nations. San Diego Zoo officials confirm the potential arrival of a male and a female panda pending permit approvals, expected by the end of summer. This follows a five-year hiatus since the zoo’s last pandas were sent back to China. Megan Owen, from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expresses excitement and hope for renewed panda cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted at resuming panda exchanges with the U.S. during a meeting with President Joe Biden in Northern California. The selection process for the new pandas includes considering a female descendant of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, former residents of the San Diego Zoo. Bai Yun, born in captivity in China, spent over 20 years at the zoo and gave birth to six cubs. Gao Gao, born in the wild, resided at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018.
Conservation efforts both in the wild and in captivity have helped increase the giant panda population from fewer than 1,000 to over 1,800. Pandas have symbolized U.S.-China friendship since China gifted a pair to the National Zoo in 1972. Subsequent panda loans aimed to aid breeding efforts and population growth. Concerns over alleged mistreatment of pandas in U.S. zoos grew in China, sparking calls for their return.
Last year, zoos in Memphis and Washington, D.C., returned their pandas to China, leaving only four in the United States, all in Atlanta. Speculation arose that China was withdrawing pandas due to deteriorating diplomatic ties. However, President Xi’s remarks in San Francisco hinted at a potential reversal, citing American enthusiasm for panda arrivals.
The San Diego Zoo maintained collaboration with Chinese counterparts despite lacking pandas. Chinese interest in exchanging breeding information underscores the significance of successful captive breeding programs. Pandas are challenging to breed due to the female’s short reproductive window, lasting only 48 to 72 hours annually.
Notably, Bai Yun’s cub, Hua Mei, was the first panda born through artificial insemination outside of China to survive into adulthood. Bai Yun’s contribution to research on maternal care behavior is also noteworthy, aided by den cameras. The return of pandas not only benefits San Diego but also aids in the species’ recovery.
Owen emphasizes the importance of panda diplomacy in conservation efforts, highlighting the need for international collaboration. Chinese experts will accompany the pandas to San Diego, fostering knowledge exchange. Overall, the return of pandas signifies a positive step in both diplomatic relations and giant panda conservation efforts.
