I don’t know whether this picture is of Yun Chuan or Xin Bao, but it really doesn’t matter. They are the newest couple in residence at the San Diego Zoo in California . . . and the first pair of giant pandas to be sent to us from China in 21 years.

I do know that since the days of the first pair to arrive at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. in 1972 — Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing — the indescribably adorable pandas have been a symbol of successful diplomatic relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

Just look at that face! Wouldn’t it melt the stoniest of hearts? Who cares if they’re Chinese, American, or Martian? All they ask is a comfortable place to sleep, a couple of toys to play with, their daily ration of 40 pounds of bamboo to munch on . . . and to be treated kindly.

We should all take a lesson from them.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/11/24