Accompanied by strains of Chinese classical music and cheers from a crowd of onlookers, the San Diego Zoo's Panda Ridge officially opened on Thursday, a tribute to the remarkable achievements of China and the United States in giant panda and wildlife conservation.
Officials from both nations gathered at the ceremony, celebrating the moment by highlighting the symbolism of the exhibit as a bridge between the two countries.
When Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng mentioned that fans in California of the two young pandas had written letters proposing that the U.S. give China grizzly bears in exchange for the pandas, the guests at the ceremony laughed warmly.
Xie noted that in November, President Xi Jinping announced in San Francisco that China is ready to continue cooperation with the U.S. 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".
"Your dream has come true even without giving us grizzly bears," Xie told the audience members, who held traditional Chinese paper fans symbolizing good luck.
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived at the end of June. The first character in the name of Yun Chuan is a nod to his grandma Bai Yun, the previous superstar at the zoo, who gave birth to six cubs during her 23 years in San Diego. The first character in the name of Xin Bao means a treasure of prosperity and abundance.
Xie said the arrival of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao during the celebration of the 45th anniversary of U.S.-China diplomatic ties has sent a clear and important message.
"China-U.S. cooperation on panda conservation will not cease, our people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation will not stop, and once opened, the door of China-U.S. friendship will not be shut again," Xie said, adding that with the new round of cooperation, China and the U.S. will work to improve the status of pandas and other rare wild animals, moving them from endangered to vulnerable, and ultimately to safe.
"China has sent the first pair of pandas to the U.S. with the ice-breaking trip by (then) president Nixon, inspiring in many Americans a strong interest in China. A panda a day keeps the sorrow away," he added.
California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed Xie's sentiments, saying, "There's nothing I enjoy more than watching the press report on pandas."
Newsom recalled a moment when an 8-year-old girl was interviewed on TV. When the reporter asked if she knew that pandas were coming back, "she lit up and got teary-eyed".
"This is a moment about exchange and understanding," said Newsom, who earlier declared Aug 8 to be "California Panda Day".
"It's about something much deeper and richer than just the two beautiful pandas we celebrate."
Newsom reflected on the challenges of recent years, noting how people have been living in a world filled with stress, anxiety and division, often focusing on differences rather than unity.
"For me, the spirit and pride associated with today's opening of Panda Ridge represent a deeper meaning — that we not only share brief moments in life, but we've also triumphed together," he said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said Panda Ridge represents the latest chapter in the U.S.-China story.
"Thirty years ago, the zoo — in partnership with our zookeeper friends in China — became a global leader in giant panda conservation," Gloria said. "I believe this is just the beginning of continued investments in the relationship between our countries. I extend my appreciation to President Xi for his commitment to continuing this incredible conservation effort between our two countries."
California and San Diego share a special bond with giant pandas. The San Diego Zoo was the first U.S. institution to collaborate with China on panda conservation efforts.
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