Gayle Anderson wrapped up our series of reports spotlighting the work required to produce the more than thirty 2025 Rose Parade Floats. On Dec. 31, Gayle took a look at the Rose Parade Float “Friendship Across the Earth” designed for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The nonprofit will participate in Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade for the fourth consecutive year on New Year’s Day 2025.
Last January, SDZWA received a top prize for “Most Beautiful Entry” for its float celebrating the 107-year history of the San Diego Zoo, “It Began With a Roar.”
Its previous float, themed “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” also received an award for most outstanding use of animation.
This New Year’s float will spotlight the zoo’s giant pandas and “panda diplomacy,” with designs of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the pair who made their public debut at the San Diego Zoo on Aug. 8, a day designated “California Panda Day” by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Five-year-old male Yun Chuan and four-year-old female Xin Bao are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years.