Basi, a female giant panda, had a mischievous side—one evening, she climbed to the top of a ledge high in the exhibit, which took some skill, and lowered herself over the exhibit barrier into Yuan Yuan's side. The keepers used her favorite treat, apples, to convince her to go back.

Yuan Yuan, a male giant panda, was a handful, roughhousing and trying to get into trouble. He managed to destroy the three trees in his exhibit within weeks of his arrival.

Artwork designed by Zoo graphic artist Tim Reamer for the special panda visit. For many people, seeing pandas firsthand made the possible extinction of this endangered species a reality, emphasizing the importance of conservation.

“Pandamonium”

Basi (left) and Yuan Yuan (above) charmed visitors and Zoo employees alike—everyone was smitten with their role-poly good looks and engaging personalities.

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1987

Expansion 1987 - 1996

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