San Diego Zoo’s new giant pandas make their public debut

CNN —

San Diego’s newest giant pandas made their public debut Thursday in the San Diego Zoo’s reimagined Panda Ridge habitat.

The pair, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, arethe first giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, according to the zoo.

“Our newest residents will bring joy to our visitors and symbolize the enduring spirit of international conservation efforts. Together with our partners, we continue to make significant strides in ensuring a hopeful future for this iconic species,” said Paul Baribault, President and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in a July statement.

The Panda Ridge habitat where the pair will live is four times larger than the previous panda enclosure, the zoo said, and takes cues from China’s landscape with features emulating canyons, mountains and cliffs. There’s also a new shade tree for climbing.

Visitors to the zoo will have three ways to see the pandas: by obtaining a complimentary timed ticket on the day of the visit; joining the standby line; or making reservations for a 60-minute, early morning walking tour.

The walking tour is not included in the price of admission, which is required for the tour. The tours start at $92 per person. The zoo’s website was showing sold out tours through the month of August.

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been “acclimating well” since their arrival in the Golden State on June 27, the zoo said in a news release in July.

Yun Chuan is a nearly five-year-old male who can be identified by his «long, slightly pointed nose,» the zoo said.

Yun Chuan is a nearly 5-year-old male born to Zhen Zhen, the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo.

“He’s identifiable by his long, slightly pointed nose and seems to be extremely comfortable whether he is exploring