China to send 2 giant pandas to US zoo
OAN’s Sophia Flores
3:33 PM – Thursday, February 22, 2024
China is reportedly sending two giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, which is arguably considered to be the best zoo in the United States.
“The world-renowned San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. In addition to the 600 different species on display, the zoo’s 700,000 types of plants create a lush jungle environment unlike any other,” according to cntraveler.com.
On Thursday, it was announced that a cooperative agreement for a giant panda collaboration was signed by both the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA).
“We look forward to further expanding the results of scientific research on the protection of endangered species such as the giant panda through the new round of international cooperation, promoting people-to-people connectivity and enhancing civilian friendship with relevant countries,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday at a regular news briefing in Beijing.
A male and female panda bear could arrive to the zoo as soon as this summer, as long as all permits and other requirements are taken care of and approved.
According to Dr. Megan Owen, one of the female pandas that China is considering sending to San Diego is also a distant relative of two of the zoo’s previous panda residents.
The San Diego Zoo has not had giant pandas since 2019. The most famous panda to join this particular zoo was “Hua Mei.” Hua Mei was the first giant panda cub to survive to adulthood in the United States, and she was born on August 21st, 1999. However, the female panda was sent back to China after spending time in San Diego.
This move comes months after the 50-year panda loan agreement with China expired.
The future of giant pandas coming back to the United States in the near future had looked slim to none. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited San Francisco, California, in November, he shocked many by stating that some pandas could soon be returning to the Golden State soon as “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.”
“I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas, and went to the zoo to see them off,” Xi said at a dinner during his visit. “I also learned that the San Diego Zoo and the Californians very much look forward to welcoming pandas back.”
“We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples,” he continued.
The program is also in talks about sending pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and to the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna as well.
It is believed that there are currently only 1,864 giant pandas in the world. 600 of those giant pandas live in captivity. Meanwhile, only one of those pandas, Xin Xin, is not owned by China.
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What role does scientific research play in the conservation efforts for giant pandas?
Title: China to Send Giant Pandas to San Diego Zoo as Part of International Cooperation
Introduction
China has announced that it will be sending two giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, one of the most prestigious zoos in the United States. This cooperative agreement signed between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) demonstrates the commitment to scientific research and the protection of endangered species. This move comes after the expiration of a 50-year panda loan agreement and the expressed desire of both nations to strengthen people-to-people connections and enhance civilian friendship.
The San Diego Zoo: A Haven for Endangered Animals
Known for its expansive 100-acre space, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals. With over 600 different species on display and a stunning variety of 700,000 types of plants, the zoo creates a lush jungle environment like no other in the world. The zoo’s reputation as a global leader in animal conservation and protection makes it an ideal location for the arrival of these giant pandas.
Promoting Scientific Research and International Cooperation
The cooperative agreement aims to expand the results of scientific research on the protection of endangered species, particularly giant pandas. By collaborating on international projects, China and the United States hope to deepen people-to-people connectivity and enhance civilian friendship. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed optimism about the future of this collaboration during a regular news briefing in Beijing.
Anticipated Arrival and Familiar Connections
Pending the completion of all necessary permits and requirements, a male and female panda could arrive at the San Diego Zoo as early as this summer. Dr. Megan Owen, a representative from the zoo, mentioned that one of the female pandas being considered for relocation is a distant relative of two previous panda residents at the zoo. This connection adds an exciting element to the upcoming arrival of these magnificent creatures.
History at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has a significant history with giant pandas. Its most famous resident, Hua Mei, was the first giant panda cub born in the Western Hemisphere since 1990 and the first to survive into adulthood. Born on August 21, 1999, Hua Mei was adored by visitors before being sent back to China after her time in San Diego. The return of these pandas to the zoo is eagerly awaited by both panda enthusiasts and the general public.
International Impact and Future Prospects
President Xi Jinping’s visit to San Francisco in November generated excitement when he expressed the possibility of pandas returning to the United States as symbols of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. In addition to San Diego, talks are in progress to send pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and the Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna. These efforts highlight the commitment of both nations to panda conservation and the strengthening of international relationships.
Conservation Status and Final Thoughts
With only 1,864 giant pandas left in the world, of which 600 are currently residing in captivity, the need for conservation and protection of this endangered species is paramount. China’s collaboration with the San Diego Zoo and other institutions around the world is a crucial step in ensuring the survival and well-being of these magnificent creatures.
In conclusion, the upcoming arrival of giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo marks a significant milestone in international cooperation and efforts to protect endangered species. The cooperation between China and the United States paves the way for the deepening of friendly ties between peoples and provides hope for the future of giant pandas in North America.
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