Yun Chuan

Basic Profile

Yun Chuan (Chinese: 云川), also known by the nicknames “Chuan Chuan” (川川) and “Zhen Zhen’s Cub” (珍珍仔), is a male giant panda born on July 28, 2019, at the Wolong Shenshuping Base. He holds the global studbook number 1193.

Family Legacy

Yun Chuan carries an extraordinary San Diego lineage:

• Grandmother: Bai Yun (白云) — Lived at San Diego Zoo for 23 years (1996-2019), gave birth to 6 cubs, one of the most famous pandas in U.S. history
• Grandfather: Gao Gao (高高) — Legendary male at San Diego Zoo
• Mother: Zhen Zhen (珍珍) — Born at San Diego Zoo on August 3, 2007, returned to China in 2010
• Siblings: Tuan Zi (团子), Chun Qiao (春俏), Xin Xin (新新), Xing An (兴安), Zhen Lan (珍兰), Sheng Lan (胜兰), Jin Hui (金辉)

Name Meaning

His name “云川” honors his grandmother Bai Yun (白云). The character “云” (Yun) comes from her name, symbolizing the continuation of her legacy at San Diego Zoo — the institution where she became an icon of panda conservation.

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Journey to America

Selection

In April 2024, Yun Chuan (male, born 2019) and Xin Bao (female, born 2020) were selected to continue the San Diego Zoo’s panda program — the first pandas at the zoo since the return of Bai Yun and Gao Gao.

Departure

On the evening of June 26, 2024, Yun Chuan departed the Ya’an Bifengxia Base. He and Xin Bao flew from Chengdu to San Diego, arriving on June 27, 2024.

Public Debut

On August 8, 2024, Yun Chuan made his public debut at the newly expanded “Panda Ridge” habitat, a facility four times larger than the original panda exhibit. The same day was declared “California Panda Day” by Governor Gavin Newsom.

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Life at San Diego

Personality

Yun Chuan is described as extroverted, active, and lively. He loves soaking in water and has a regular daily routine: indoor resting until 6 AM, bamboo breakfast, then outdoor exploration from 9 AM onward.

Growth

By March 2025, Yun Chuan weighed approximately 113 kg (about 250 lbs). His health is monitored daily by a joint Chinese-American veterinary team.

Rose Parade

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao’s images were featured in a “Friendship Across the Globe” themed float at the 136th Rose Parade on January 1, 2025, where it won a major award.

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Conservation Significance

Yun Chuan represents the third generation of his family at San Diego Zoo. His grandmother Bai Yun spent 23 years at the zoo and became one of the most beloved pandas in American history. His return continues a family legacy spanning over three decades of U.S.-China conservation cooperation.