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-Editorial
SAN DIEGO WILL BE FIRST U.S. CITY IN 24 YEARS TO RECEIVE GIANT PANDAS UNDER A RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION AGREEMENT WITH CHINA
SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria is set to travel to China to participate in official farewell ceremonies for two giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who will soon call the San Diego Zoo their new home. This significant event comes under a groundbreaking research and conservation agreement between the United States and China.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, boasting a nearly 30-year conservation partnership with prominent wildlife and forestry institutions in China, is dedicated to the protection and recovery of giant pandas and their vital bamboo forests. Mayor Gloria has been a key figure in finalizing the details of this partnership, involving multiple meetings with Chinese conservation officials and government leaders. His commitment was solidified by his role as an official signatory to the agreement.
This collaboration between the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the China Wildlife Conservation Association is designed to enhance the health and resilience of giant panda populations. It focuses particularly on some of the smallest and most isolated groups that are vulnerable to extinction and loss of genetic diversity.
Mayor Gloria departed from Los Angeles International Airport early Tuesday morning, with his arrival at the Ya’an Panda Base in Sichuan Province scheduled for Wednesday afternoon local time. During his visit to China, he will also engage in high-level meetings in Beijing with senior officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. These discussions aim to further strengthen conservation efforts and foster greater collaboration between the two nations.
Mayor Gloria is expected to return to San Diego in the early morning on Sunday, June 30, bringing back renewed hopes for continued success in international wildlife conservation efforts.
