Two giant pandas will make their public debut Thursday at the San Diego Zoo. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived at the San Diego Zoo earlier this summer and are the first giant pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years. In celebration of their debut, Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed August 8, 2024, as California Panda Day. Panda Ridge at the San Diego Zoo opens August 8 at noon. Guests will have several options to see the animals, including obtaining a free giant panda timed ticket or by just joining a standby line. Additionally, advanced reservations are available for an exclusive 60-minute Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour before the zoo opens to guests for the day. Panda Ridge is described as an "expansive and multidimensional experience... inspired by famous geological formations in China, emulating the mountainous forest ecosystems where giant pandas thrive while immersing you into their world," a statement from Erika Kohler, San Diego Zoo senior vice president and executive director read. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived in San Diego in late June and have spent the last several weeks acclimating to the zoo and their new habitat. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/entertainment/places/san-diego-zoo/giant-pandas-public-debut-san-diego-zoo/509-6ff3b117-a9d9-482b-bf67-8c746dd103f0