It’s panda watch time: San Diego Zoo launches panda camera

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Pandemonium is still in full swing at the San Diego Zoo, but now people from across the globe can get in on all the fluffy fun.

The Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced on Tuesday the official launch of its highly-anticipated online enclosure camera for its two new giant pandas, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, giving animal lovers an inside look at the rotund cuties from anywhere in the world.

Viewers can watch the two climb, tumble, play, nap and munch on bamboo throughout the day starting from the time they begin exploring their habitat after a night’s rest — often around 9 a.m. PST, according to zoo officials — until nightfall.

After dark on the west coast, the camera will continue showcasing replays of the duo’s best moments, according to the zoo.

Those who want to see Xin Bao, the four-year-old female, and Yun Chuan, the five-year-old male, in person can still do so at Panda Ridge in the San Diego Zoo.

The launch of the panda cam comes nearly five months after the young duo made the long journey to California from China in a loan agreement that revitalized Beijing’s practice of using the beloved bears as “envoys of friendship” abroad.

Xin Bao and Yun Chuan officially made their public debut in August after spending some time acclimating to their new home in San Diego away from the public eye.

Unsurprisingly, the pandas are now one of the zoo’s most popular attractions once again.

Above: Zara Barker’s Aug. 8 report for FOX 5 on the panda exhibit opening at the San Diego Zoo.

According to the zoo, onlookers are able to tell that both have quite distinct personalities —much like other animal superstars, such as Moo Deng.

Yun Chuan, who is identified by his long, slightly pointed nose, is described by wildlife alliance officials as mild-mannered, gentle and lovable.

Some might know him from a viral video where he stayed cool during a September heat wave by splashing around in a pool inside his enclosure. Although others likely know him through his mother, Zhen Zhen, who was born at the zoo back in 2007 to Bai Yun.

Xin Bao was described as a shy but witty introvert, with a round face and big, fluffy ears. She has become known around the zoo for her knack climbing trees inside her enclosure.

Both pandas were born at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in Sichuan, according to the zoo.

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