BEIJING (AP) — San Francisco is the latest U.S. city preparing to receive a pair of pandas from China, in a continuation of Beijing’s famed “panda diplomacy.”
San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced the panda loan in Beijing on Friday, alongside officials from China Wildlife Conservation Association, or CWCA. It will be San Francisco’s first time hosting the beloved animals long-term — the result of a yearlong advocacy campaign, Breed said.
San Diego previously announced it was receiving two pandas back in February.
China is home to the only natural habitat for pandas and owns most of the black-and-white bears in the world. Beijing loans the animals to other countries as a tool for diplomacy and wildlife conservation.
“San Francisco is absolutely thrilled to be welcoming giant pandas to the San Francisco Zoo,” Breed said after signing a letter of intent for international cooperation on giant panda conservation.
Travis Kelce's favorite songs on Taylor Swift's new album REVEALED
China's envoy calls for collective action on nuclear disarmament
Meet trying to divide world, observers say
China welcomes Hungary's visa facilitation measures: FM spokesperson
Goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán suspended for 11 games, fined for pointing laser at rival in Liga MX match
Wang Yi reiterates Beijing's desire for peaceful reunification with Taiwan
Philippines urged not to disrupt peace
Attack blamed on IS militants kills 22 pro
BRI an 'opportunity for all', says FM