The zoo is preparing to bid farewell to two of its beloved giant pandas \u2014 which have been on loan from China as part of a long-term conservation agreement. Twenty-seven-year-old Bai Yun and her cub, 6-year-old Xiao Liwu, will be returning to their homeland at the end of April. Last year, the zoo began wrapping its agreement with Chinese conservation officials with the return of Gao Gao, Bai Yun\u2019s mate. The repatriation of Bai Yun ends a 25-year-long program, which has yielded a host of information on panda behavior, gestation, birth and life cycles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe San Diego Zoo was honored to be chosen by conservationists in China to work with them to develop a new model for species conservation,\u201d said Douglas G. Myers, president\/CEO of San Diego Zoo Global. \u201cThe panda program we began together demonstrates how powerful these collaborative efforts can be. We are extremely grateful to China for sharing the pandas with us and offering us the chance to serve this species in a leadership role.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guests wishing to visit the giant pandas can still do so until April 27. The zoo is planning a farewell party for the pandas slated for some time in April and will release more details as they are available.<\/p>\n
Author and advocate Chelsea Clinton will visit the San Diego Zoo on May 23, touring her new children\u2019s book \u201cDon\u2019t Let Them Disappear: Twelve Endangered Species Across the Globe.\u201d Guests will attend a reading of the book by Clinton followed by a Q&A session and book signing.<\/p>\n The book, illustrated by artist Gianna Marino, explores some of the planet\u2019s most iconic and sorely endangered animals, as well as some of the problems that threaten their existence. From whales, to rhinos, to giant pandas and beyond, the book shows children how much these animals have to offer to our world and what can be done to protect them. Inside are tips and ideas that everyone can do to help protect some of these critically endangered species.<\/p>\n The event will take place at the zoo\u2019s Wegeforth Bowl at 10 a.m. General admission is required to attend. Tickets for the reading event start at $28 and include one free copy of the book.<\/p>\n For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, visit bit.ly\/SDZooBooks<\/a><\/p>\n Experience the zoo in a more intimate setting, away from the kids and crowds, as the gates open late for a Wild Night Out. This 21-and-up event gives guests an opportunity to wander the zoo grounds after hours, while enjoying special entertainment and perhaps an adult beverage or two.<\/p>\n Live music will be played throughout the park. Additionally, the event will preview the zoo\u2019s upcoming summer Nighttime Zoo activities, including a 20-minute parade along Front Street featuring stunning, handcrafted animal puppets.<\/p>\n This special edition of Wild Night Out is set for June 13 from 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets to attend are $40. Guests must be over 21.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Zoo Book Club<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/disapear.jpg-247x300.jpg\")
\n<\/strong>\u00a0Wild Night Out!<\/strong><\/p>\n
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