SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Zoo launched a live online "giant panda cam" Tuesday that allows people around the globe to view the daily lives of its new giant panda bears, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan.
The panda camera offers a window into the daily activities of 4-year-old female Xin Bao and the almost 5-year-old male Yun Chuan during San Diego's daylight hours. The daily stream will be shown again after nightfall.
The panda camera may be viewed at sandiegozoo.org/pandacam and requires viewers to share an email address - signing users up to the zoo's newsletter - in order to view the pandas in their habitat.
Yun Chuan
Yun Chuan is almost five years old. His mother was the fourth cub born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.
You can spot Yun Chuan by looking for his long, slightly pointed nose. Zoo officials say he looks "extremely comfortable whether he is exploring on the grass or climbing trees."
Xin Bao
Xin Bao is four years old. Her name means "previous treasure of prosperity and abundance." Zoo officials say you can identify Xin Bao by her large, round face and big fluffy ears.
She enjoys "sunbathing quietly and focusing on her favorite food."
Arriving in San Diego
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived in San Diego June 27. The giant pandas' arrival is part of a special conservation agreement between China and the U.S. The San Diego Zoo last hosted pandas in 2019, but China recalled most of its giant pandas from U.S. zoos over diplomatic tensions.
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao resume the symbolization of friendship between the two countries or panda diplomacy. Mayor Todd Gloria visited China in June to participate in farewell ceremonies for the panda pair before they started their journey to San Diego.
Since their arrival, the San Diego Zoo has worked with Chinese experts to satisfy the pandas' dietary needs and preferences. Veterinary teams from both the U.S. and China are paying attention to a range of health factors, including weight and appetite, to make sure the pandas thrive.
Staff have provided the panda pair with a variety of fresh bamboo, in addition to a local adaptation of a traditional Chinese bun called "panda bread." They have conducted food adaptability exercises and have monitored the pandas' weight to make sure they are adjusting properly.
Panda Ridge grand opening
Giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, made their public debut Thursday, August 8, as the San Diego Zoo celebrated the opening of Panda Ridge. Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria were on hand for the ceremony.
WATCH: A look back at the Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo in 1987, 1997 and 1999