June 27 (UPI) — Two giant pandas are on their way to San Diego Zoo after China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Sichuan bid farewell to the animals.
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao took part in a farewell ceremony Wednesday. before they started their trip across the Pacific Ocean to the United States. Zoo officials said once the pandas arrive, they will be given time to adjust to their new home.
“After the pandas have safely arrived in San Diego, they will not be viewable to the public while they acclimate for several weeks to their new home,” the zoo said in a statement .
“As soon as wildlife health and care teams confirm Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are ready to meet the public, we will share a debut date and specific information about how to see the beloved pandas.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a photo of the two pandas on social media , announcing they were on their way and hoping they enjoy their new home.”
Yun Chuan has a distant connection with the San Diego Zoo. The panda is the son of Zhen Zhen, who was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.