The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance won top honors at the 136th annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1, commemorating the historic arrival of giant pandas.
The Alliance received the Sweepstakes Trophy given for most beautiful entry, encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
The San Diego Zoo’s float, “Friendship Across the Earth,” transported viewers across Asia’s ecosystems and honored Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to enter the United States in 21 years.
Five-year-old male Yun Chuan and four-year-old female Xin Bao made their public debut at the San Diego Zoo on Aug. 8, 2024 — designated “California Panda Day” by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Several Chinese dignitaries flew in for the occasion in August including Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the U.S., and Si Ping, deputy secretary general for China Wildlife Conservation Association.
“To receive the Sweepstakes Award is in itself such an honor, but to do so this year feels especially momentous,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “In 2024, we had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching as Yun Chuan and Xin Bao brought the world together. They represent what is truly possible when we come together with a shared purpose, commitment, and trust in one another.”
Atop the 55-foot float, in addition to intricate designs of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, were more than 700,000 individual plants.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 2024 float, “It Began With a Roar,” also received top honors with the Sweepstakes Trophy. Its float in 2023, “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation,” received the Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation.
