Video above: This dated FOX 5 video announces the debut of two pandas at the San Diego Zoo. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego Zoo is gearing up for a day of celebration in honor of National Panda Day on Sunday, March 16, 2025. In a special tribute to the beloved giant pandas, the zoo is inv iting families to visit and enjoy a variety of fun activities, including giveaways and photo opportunities. The first 2,000 children, ages 11 and under, who visit Denny Sanford Panda Ridge on National Panda Day will receive a pair of panda ears, allowing them to fully embrace the spirit of the day. Guests will also have a chance to capture lasting memories with a special photo opportunity, perfect for family photos alongside the iconic pandas. 5 things to do in San Diego this weekend The San Diego Zoo’s giant panda pair, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, have become stars of the zoo since they were unveiled in August 2024, alongside their all-new habitat. Since their arrival, visitors from around the world have had the chance to see the pandas up close and learn about the unique characteristics that make giant pandas so special. Xin Bao and Yun Chuan are particularly significant as they are the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years. Their stunning new home, Panda Ridge, draws inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of their native habitats in China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces. The habitat features shade trees for climbing, diverse plants, and rolling hillsides that allow the pandas to navigate and explore both horizontally and vertically. As National Panda Day approaches, the San Diego Zoo is inviting everyone to visit and join in the celebration of these iconic creatures that continue to capture the hearts of people worldwide. For more information about the San Diego Zoo and its panda conservation efforts, visit https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas. ...read more read less