The San Diego Zoo opened its redesigned Panda Ridge habitat to the public, introducing giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao to visitors.
The pair were the first giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years. Their arrival renewed a conservation partnership with China and returned an animal closely associated with the zoo to San Diego after a five-year absence.
The debut drew international attention and long visitor lines, blending wildlife research, diplomacy and the powerful cultural appeal of an endangered species.