San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor London N. Breed introduced a resolution at the Board of Supervisors to allow various City departments to raise funds from philanthropists and private entities to support the San Francisco Zoo in hosting Giant Pandas from the People’s Republic of China.

In a statement, Mayor Breed emphasized the importance of the fundraising efforts, saying, "Securing the agreement to welcome Giant Pandas to San Francisco was just a first step for us. We have a lot of work ahead to raise the funds and build the enclosure at our Zoo that will serve as their home and thrill residents and visitors."

The legislation introduced by Mayor Breed is a crucial step in the fundraising process required to welcome the Giant Pandas to the San Francisco Zoo in 2025. The costs for the enclosure are still being determined, and philanthropic funds, not taxpayer funds, will finance its construction or renovation.

The resolution will provide a temporary exception for City departments to fundraise for the sole purpose of bringing pandas to San Francisco using private donations. This waiver of restrictions will enable the Zoo to cover the costs of preparing for and maintaining the pandas without relying on taxpayer funds.

The initiative to bring Giant Pandas to San Francisco is part of China's Panda Diplomacy Program, with the San Francisco Zoo being selected to receive pandas as announced during Mayor Breed's recent visit to China. The partnership between the San Francisco Zoological Society and the China Wildlife Conservation Association aims to work together on the international conservation of giant pandas.

The efforts to bring the pandas to San Francisco will not only provide a unique experience for residents and visitors but also foster economic opportunities and strengthen cultural connections between the City and China.

The San Francisco Zoo, home to over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals, is owned by the City and County of San Francisco and operated by the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society. The fundraising efforts led by Mayor Breed will play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and thriving environment for the pandas without burdening taxpayers.