Two giant pandas heading to San Diego
A pair of giant pandas are on their way from China to the United States where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two countries, officials said. Yun Chuan, a 5-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a 4-year-old female, departed from Ya'an City in Sichuan Province on Wednesday evening, embarking on a 10-year international giant panda protection cooperation in the US. It marks a new round of giant panda protection cooperation between the two countries, following an agreement signed in February between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Diego Zoo. Officials with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance were on hand in Sichuan for the farewell ceremony. “This farewell celebrates their journey and underscores a collaboration between the United States and China on vital conservation efforts," Paul Baribault, the wildlife alliance president, said in a statement.  "Our long-standing partnership with China Wildlife Conservation Association has been instrumental in advancing giant panda conservation, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the survival and thriving of this iconic species.” Yun Chuan and Xin Bao will transit through Hong Kong and are scheduled to arrive in the US on Thursday. The giant pandas are accompanied by experienced breeders and veterinarians during the journey. It could be several weeks before they will be viewable to the public in San Diego, officials said. Yun Chuan's mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 to parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao. Xin Bao is described as “a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears.” (Xinhua/AP)