The Bronx Zoo in New York has a rich and captivating history when it comes to pandas. From the arrival of the first pair in 1938 to the ongoing efforts to bring these beloved creatures back to the zoo, the story of the Bronx Zoo’s relationship with pandas is one that is sure to captivate any zoo enthusiast.
The Early Years: Pandas at the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo’s panda story began in 1938 when it received its first pair of pandas, Pan and Pandora. These pandas were a popular attraction, not only in the Bronx but also in Queens, where they were temporarily housed during the 1939 World’s Fair. Sadly, both pandas passed away by the middle of 1941, leaving the Bronx Zoo without any pandas.
A Gift from China: The Arrival of Pan-Dee and Pan-Dah
In December 1941, the Bronx Zoo received two young pandas as gifts from Song Meiling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek) and her sister, Song Ailing, in appreciation for American support of the Chinese war effort. These pandas, named Pan-Dee and Pan-Dah, were formally presented to the zoo in Chungking and quickly became beloved attractions. However, their time at the Bronx Zoo was short-lived, as Pan-Dah died in 1945, and Pan-Dee passed away in 1951.
The Panda-less Years
Since the passing of Pan-Dee in 1951, the Bronx Zoo has not had any pandas on display. Despite the efforts of Representative Carolyn B. Maloney to secure two pandas for the zoo, political hurdles in both New York and Beijing have made the process challenging. The cost of building a habitat, leasing the bears from China, and caring for them is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, and Chinese officials are reluctant to share too many pandas with any single country due to the difficulties of breeding and raising them.
The Himalayan Highlands Exhibit: A Panda-Adjacent Experience
While the Bronx Zoo may not have any pandas on display, it is home to over 11,000 animals, including red pandas in the Himalayan Highlands exhibit. This exhibit, which features wildlife native to the mountains and grasslands of Central Asia, is open year-round and included with all tickets. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Himalayan Highlands and catch a glimpse of the red pandas, which are closely related to their giant panda cousins.
The Future of Pandas at the Bronx Zoo
Despite the challenges, the Bronx Zoo’s panda story is far from over. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney continues to work tirelessly to secure two pandas for the zoo, and the zoo itself remains committed to bringing these beloved creatures back to New York. With the ongoing efforts and the continued fascination of the public with pandas, it’s possible that the Bronx Zoo may one day welcome a new generation of pandas to delight and captivate visitors.
In the meantime, the Bronx Zoo’s Himalayan Highlands exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the natural habitat and wildlife of Central Asia, including the red panda, a close relative of the giant panda. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Bronx Zoo’s panda history or a newcomer to the world of zoo animals, the Bronx Zoo has plenty to offer for the discerning zoo enthusiast.
Key Facts about Bronx Zoo Pandas
Here are some key facts about the Bronx Zoo’s history with pandas:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Pandas Received | The Bronx Zoo received its first pair of pandas, Pan and Pandora, in 1938. |
| Pandas During World’s Fair | The pandas were temporarily housed in Queens during the 1939 World’s Fair. |
| Passing of First Pandas | Both Pan and Pandora passed away by the middle of 1941. |
| Gift from China | In December 1941, the Bronx Zoo received two young pandas, Pan-Dee and Pan-Dah, as gifts from Song Meiling and Song Ailing. |
| Passing of Second Pandas | Pan-Dah died in 1945, and Pan-Dee passed away in 1951. |
| Current Panda Status | The Bronx Zoo does not currently have any pandas on display. |
| Efforts to Bring Pandas Back | Representative Carolyn B. Maloney is working to secure two pandas for the Bronx Zoo. |
| Estimated Cost | Bringing pandas back to the Bronx Zoo would cost tens of millions of dollars. |
| Himalayan Highlands Exhibit | The Bronx Zoo’s Himalayan Highlands exhibit features red pandas, a close relative of the giant panda. |