The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization, will showcase its newly arrived giant pandas at the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, marking a new chapter in international conservation partnerships.

The 55-foot-long float features Xin Bao (translated as “precious treasure of prosperity and abundance”) and Yun Chuan (“great river of clouds”), the first giant pandas to come to the United States in 20 years.

Wildlife Alliance’s participation marks its fourth consecutive parade appearance and builds on recent successes including the prestigious 2024 Sweepstakes Award and the 2023 Animation Award.

“The overall concept of a float is friendship across the globe, and that is particularly tied to the overall work that we do every day – that ability to unite people around the world and make friends across the globe,” Marco said Wendt, wildlife ambassador.

The elaborate design includes a 25-foot-long ridge line with giant pandas, red pandas and a Malayan tiger, demonstrating the accredited botanical garden’s commitment to protecting wildlife worldwide.

“Whether it’s the emperor of the world or a kid from Nevada, giant pandas are for everyone, they really connect people,” Wendt said.

The float will feature authentic botanical elements from the Alliance’s own collection, including yellow grooved, gold and black bamboo varieties.

“We will be highlighting unique bamboo plant species that we actually grow at the San Diego Zoo,” Wendt said.

Three key figures in the Wildlife Alliance’s panda conservation program – Dr. Megan Owen, Jana Biedenweg and Dr. Xiaoxing Bian – will ride on the float under a cherry blossom tree.

The botanical display case reflects the extensive horticultural expertise of the San Diego Zoo, which maintains approximately 700,000 individual plants representing 3,100 species in its facilities.

“You will see up to 20,000 roses on the float… And as you know, not only roses and other seas of flowers are represented, but also natural materials,” Wendt said.

Reaching more than one billion people in 150 countries, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance serves over five million guests annually at its two wildlife parks.