NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This month, the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years will make their eagerly awaited public debut at the San Diego Zoo. Recently, Marco Wendt, Wildlife Ambassador with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, partnered with D S Simon Media for a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the two new pandas, how they are acclimating, and the work being done to preserve and protect this iconic species.
Yun Chuan (pronounced yoon chu-an) is a five-year-old male identifiable by his long, pointy nose. Xin Bao (pronounced sing bao) is a four-year-old female best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears.
Since arriving in late June, the pair has been acclimating to their home in the newly reimagined Panda Ridge. This innovative space is four times larger than the San Diego Zoo’s previous panda habitat and is inspired by the breathtaking, lush landscapes in and around giant pandas’ native habitats in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces. It features new shade trees for climbing, a diverse array of plants, and rolling hillsides that allow Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to navigate and explore vertically.
The process to bring giant pandas back to the United States has been years in the making. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a nearly 30-year conservation partnership with leading conservation institutions in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas and the bamboo forests they depend on. The partnership has served as a powerful example of how, through diplomatic relations, there is a path to creating a sustainable future for giant pandas.
The Zoo is offering three ways for guests to experience giant pandas. On the day of their visit, visitors can either obtain a complimentary Giant Panda Timed Ticket or join the standby line. Additionally, guests can make reservations for an exclusive 60-minute Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour.
More information about how to visit the pandas is available at sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children’s hospitals in 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
About D S Simon Media
The firm is well known as a leader in the satellite media tour industry and produces tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail and non-profits. Established in 1986 the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.
Dante Muccigrosso
Director of Media Integration & Client Reporting
E: dantem@dssimon.com
C: 973.524.0104
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/338a26a8-8c86-4632-b8a0-db80a168f737
