FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 22, 2024

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

Mayor Todd Gloria issued the following statement on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s announcement that it had signed a cooperative agreement with China Wildlife Conservation Association to bring the giant pandas back to the San Diego Zoo as part of a research and conservation collaboration. Mayor Gloria had multiple meetings with Chinese government and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance officials to convey support for the partnership and the City’s willingness to expedite permitting for improvements to the panda’s habitat at the zoo.

“The return to San Diego of giant pandas is a testament to the nearly 30 year partnership the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Alliance forged with China to successfully protect these magnificent creatures. I’m pleased this positive relationship and our advocacy have resulted in this major announcement. San Diegans look forward to welcoming the pandas back to America’s Finest City.”

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