Two giant pandas, and , are leaving China for the San Diego Zoo after a historic farewell ceremony at the China Conservation & Research Center for Giant Pandas. The event commemorated the 30th anniversary of the conservation partnership between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and China Wildlife Conservation Association, highlighting their joint efforts to protect giant pandas. The pandas will be acclimating to their new home for several weeks before they are unveiled to the public.
Qinling pandas, a unique subspecies of giant pandas, have captivated scientists with their distinct brown and light brown coloration. While most Qinling pandas are black and white like their iconic cousins, a rare few have puzzled researchers with their vibrant hues. In this article, we delve into the genetic mystery behind these brown pandas, their distinct traits, and the limited population that perpetuates their existence.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced that two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will be arriving from China by the end of the year. This news comes after the zoo sent its three pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, to China last November.
The institute’s John and Adrienne Mars director, Brandie Smith, expressed excitement about welcoming the new pandas and acknowledged the successful collaboration with Chinese colleagues in the panda conservation program. The program has played a significant role in moving pandas from the endangered to vulnerable category on the global list of species at risk of extinction.
First lady Dr. Jill Biden, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, and Smith made the official announcement in a video shared on social media channels.
Upon her return from a week-long trip to China, San Francisco Mayor London Breed has been met with criticism from constituents facing ongoing crime and homelessness crises in the city. Critics argue that Breed’s focus on pandas for the San Francisco Zoo and photo opportunities abroad highlights her disregard for the urgent needs of her residents. Despite police department claims of a lower crime rate compared to previous years, San Franciscans report persistent concerns about rising crime, including a 14.8% increase in robberies and a 6.3% increase in motor vehicle thefts in 2023. Breed’s efforts to secure pandas for the zoo have also drawn criticism, with some arguing that it should not be prioritized over addressing more pressing issues such as homelessness, crime, and drug addiction. Despite Breed’s announcement of plans to establish a curfew in the Tenderloin neighborhood to curb crime, critics maintain that the city’s public safety initiatives require further improvement.
