Staff from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance visited China to meet Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, two giant pandas set to join the San Diego Zoo's care.

During their visit, the conservation and care team leaders interacted with Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the Wolongand Bifengxia Panda Bases in Sichuan, China, where the pandas are currently being cared for.

Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Conservation Science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expressed her admiration for the pandas and appreciation for the opportunity to meet them.

She said: 'It was anhonor to see Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in person and meet our conservation partners caring for them at the Wolong and Bifengxia Panda Bases.

'Yun Chuan's lineage has deep connections to the San Diego Zoo, and we're excited by the prospect of caring for them.'

The doctor said that Yun Chuan, a nearly five-year-old male panda, hails from the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in the Sichuan province. His 'gentle demeanour and lovable personality' make him a delightful addition to the San Diego Zoo family.

Notably, Yun Chuan's name pays homage to his grandmother, Bai Yun, who resided at the San Diego Zoo for 23 years.

Meanwhile, XinBao, a nearly four-year-old female giant panda, was born at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base. Described as a gentle and witty introvert with a charming round face and large ears, Xin Bao's name signifies 'a new treasure of prosperity and abundance'.

Dr Owen added: 'Our conservation partners in China shared photographs and personality traits of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, but meeting them in person was so special.

'It's inspiring as people from around the world come together to conserve, protect, and care for these special bears, and we can't wait to welcome them to San Diego.'