SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — On Jan. 1, marching bands and intricately decorated floats will ring in the new year by partaking in the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena. Among them is the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s float, which is set to include references to the zoo’s beloved panda duo.
This year, the parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever,” which alludes to celebrating life’s best moments.
On Monday, the zoo revealed this year’s participating float will “transport viewers across Asia’s magnificent ecosystems” and include designs of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, the first giant pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years. Five-year-old male panda Yun Chuan and four-year-old female Xin Bao made their official debut to the public on Aug. 8.
WATCH: Giant pandas make public debut at San Diego Zoo
Also on the float will be the notable orange stripes of Connor the Malayan tiger and the adorable red pandas, Lucas and Adira.
The 55-foot float will also be adorned with 700,000 individual plants cared for by the horticulturists at the San Diego Zoo, which encompasses more than 3,100 diverse species.