UK’s only panda pair, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, to return to China
- Pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian will return to China later this year after special farewell events in their Scottish home
- Despite efforts to breed, female Tian Tian has not produced a cub during her time in Edinburgh Zoo since 2011
It was supposed to be a match made in heaven that would produce a cub but after years of trying, Edinburgh Zoo said on Wednesday it is now sending its breeding pair of giant pandas back to China.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said it plans to give Yang Guang (Sunshine) and Tian Tian (Sweetie) a “giant farewell” at the zoo before their departure later this year.
“As the UK’s only giant pandas, they have been incredibly popular with visitors, which has helped to connect millions of people to nature as well as raising vital funds for wildlife conservation,” said RZSS chief executive David Field.
“We will be providing as many opportunities as possible for people to say goodbye and to celebrate the tremendous impact these two charismatic bears have had on our communities, helping to create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.”
Yang Guang and Tian Tian arrived in Edinburgh in December 2011 as part of a 10-year arrangement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
The popular pair even had a special tartan created in their honour, in black, white and grey representing their fur, and red to symbolise China.