Official announcements from the San Francisco Zoo or city press releases

San Francisco, Under Mayor Breed, Secures Pandas for 2025 in U.S.-China Pact

Apr 19, 2024, 03:00 PM

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has successfully negotiated the acquisition of a pair of giant pandas for the San Francisco Zoo, marking a significant achievement in U.S.-China relations under the ongoing 'panda diplomacy' initiative. The memorandum of understanding, signed with the China Wildlife Conservation Association during Breed's recent trip to Beijing, outlines the arrival of the pandas in 2025. This move, celebrated as a tribute to the city's Chinese and API heritage, is expected to boost tourism and honor the late Mayor Ed Lee's vision, who initially sought the pandas. The zoo, which last hosted pandas in 1985, is preparing for their arrival with a $5 million renovation plan set to be completed within a year.