San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo's Panda-fied float takes top honors at Rose Parade

The Sweepstakes Award honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment

NBC Universal, Inc.

The zoo’s float featuring two giant pandas won the sweepstakes trophy for the second year in a row.

The San Diego Zoo has taken top honors in the Tournament of Roses Parade for the second consecutive year, winning the 2025 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry "Friendship Across the Earth."

The float, designed by Azusa-based Artistic Entertainment Services, features the zoo's two giant pandas frolicking around their new home.

The San Diego Zoo's float at the 2025 Rose Parade on Jan. 1.

The pair -- 5-year-old male Yun Chuan and 4-year-old female Xin Bao --- arrived in June from China and are now featured in the zoo's the reimagined Panda Ridge habitat.

The zoo has also launched a new panda cam where fans can follow their adventures.

The Sweepstakes Award, which has been presented for each parade since 1924, honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.

Take a look at the full list of winners here.

The San Diego Zoo's float at the 2025 Rose Parade on Jan. 1.
The San Diego Zoo's float at the 2025 Rose Parade on Jan. 1.
The San Diego Zoo's float at the 2025 Rose Parade on Jan. 1.
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