Visitors Say Their Final Goodbyes As Edinburgh's Giant Pandas Head Home to China
Edinburgh Zoo bid an emotional farewell to its beloved giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, as visitors gathered for their last viewing on Thursday. The iconic pandas arrived in Scotland in 2011, creating a panda frenzy that boosted ticket sales by 50%. Despite the initial hope for panda cubs, the breeding attempts were unsuccessful, leading to the conclusion of the giant panda breeding program in 2021.
The pandas' departure marks the end of a 10-year loan agreement between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, which had been extended by two years due to the pandemic. Zookeeper Michael Livingstone, who has looked after the pandas, will be the last of the team to say goodbye as he will travel with them to China.
The enclosure which housed the bears will soon house a new species that is expected to be announced next year. Although the initial aim of breeding the bears was unsuccessful, the pandas have contributed to global research efforts, enhancing understanding of giant panda fertility and veterinary care.
As the pandas embark on their journey back to China, they will undergo a month-long quarantine at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre in Sichuan province. The pandas' impact on conservation and public awareness is celebrated, with RZSS chief executive David Field expressing hope for the improved outlook of giant pandas in the wild.
With the departure of Yang Guang and Tian Tian, Edinburgh Zoo reflects on 12 years of panda memories, leaving behind a legacy that inspired millions to care about nature and conservation causes.
