Giant pandas Xin Bao and Yun Chuan will at the San Diego Zoo at noon Thursday.
The pair on June 27, and are the first pandas in San Diego since 2019. and leases all giant pandas in U.S. zoos and for decades has lent out the animals as a sign of friendship or to strengthen national ties, a practice known as “panda diplomacy.”
Here’s everything you need to know to see them.
How much does it cost to visit the zoo?
cost $74 for visitors 12 and older and $64 for children ages 3 to 11. On “value days” designated by the zoo, those prices change to $70 and $60.
Where are they in the zoo?
The bears are in a new habitat called Panda Ridge that’s four times bigger than the zoo’s previous panda space. It features pools and misters to keep the bears cool and boasts rock outcroppings, lush trees and bushes inspired by Chinese forests where wild pandas roam.
How can visitors get in line to see them?
Zoo officials say visitors have several ways they can experience the pandas.
One is to obtain a complimentary timed ticket, which can be acquired the day-of at the ticket booth when admission tickets are purchased or at various locations in the main plaza. The free timed tickets are set for every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The tickets are on first come, first served. The zoo said “thousands” of timed tickets would be issued each day.
‘IT’S WORTH THE WAIT’: An enthusiastic welcome for San Diego Zoo’s giant pandas
Another is to join a standby line in person, from 9:30 a.m. until the pandas are off habitat or the zoo closes, whichever occurs earlier. But the zoo notes on its website that standby does not guarantee “giant panda habitat access.”
Those wanting more time with the pandas, and the ability to reserve a sure thing, can book an exclusive, 60-minute early morning walking tour.
Are there additional fees for the pandas?
The timed day-of tickets and standby line are free, but the are a new option for panda watchers and will cost you. While zoo gates typically open at 9 a.m., the tours begin at 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $92 to $115 per person, depending on the day, and can be booked online or by calling (619) 718-3000.
Am I certain to see the giant pandas if I go?
The timed ticket does not guarantee a view of the pandas. “Panda Ridge includes grasses, tree logs, boulders, and other features that may limit your ability to view the pandas as they navigate their landscape,” the zoo website says. “In addition, wildlife may be temporarily cared for in private behind-the-scenes habitats at any time by our team of specialized wildlife care and health experts.”
How do you distinguish between the two pandas?
Zoo officials say Yun Chuan is identifiable by his long, pointy nose, while Xin Bao, who is the smaller of the two, is best recognized by her large, round face and big, fluffy ears.
Even so, the duo are nearly identical to the untrained eye.
In fact, they are similar in size. Weighing in at 230 pounds, Yun Chuan is only slightly larger than Xin Bao, who is 220 pounds, according to zoo officials.
The easiest way to identify them is by their enclosures.
For now, it’s ladies first. Xin Bao is the first to greet guests entering Panda Ridge, as she is housed in the larger of the two habitat spaces.
Further along the path, guests will encounter Yun Chuan in the smaller habitat without a hill on the east side. Zoo officials say they’ll likely rotate the two bears between the habitats later.
When is the best time to see the pandas?
Although zoo officials say the pandas are typically most active at sunrise and sunset, they will spend overall about 80 percent of their time either eating or sleeping.
Pandas eat up to 40 pounds of locally grown bamboo a day and are fed three times daily, with more bamboo left out in their off-exhibit bedroom areas at night, in case they want a midnight snack.
Are large crowds expected at the zoo?
Ahead of the panda debut on Aug. 8, the city of San Diego issued a traffic alert for the area around Balboa Park and the zoo, telling locals to expect extra traffic through Aug. 11 and on weekends throughout August.
What are the options for traveling to the zoo?
Drivers can park in a lot in front of the zoo or at Inspiration Point — with a shuttle service — for free. For public transportation, visitors can use Rapid 215 and Route 7 MTS buses to be dropped off in front of the zoo. These bus routes are accessible from some trolley stations, including Santa Fe Depot and City College. Find more information here:
