Edinburgh Zoo has officially announced that its beloved Giant Pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, will be returning to China in December. This decision stems from the terms of their 10-year
loan, which was extended by two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite their long stay in Edinburgh, the panda pair has not successfully produced offspring since their arrival in 2011.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which manages Edinburgh Zoo, expressed gratitude for the "incredible impact" the giant pandas have had on visitors throughout their stay.
The annual cost of having the pandas on loan from China has amounted to £750,000 for the zoo.
While the exact departure date is yet to be finalized, Alison Maclean, the carnivore team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, mentioned that arrangements are being made with Chinese partners for Yang Guang and Tian Tian to return in early December, possibly during the first week of the month. She also indicated that visitors to the zoo can continue to see the pandas both indoors and outdoors until the end of November, after which outdoor viewing will be the only option until their departure.
Alison Maclean stated, "Having cared for Yang Guang and Tian Tian since they arrived in 2011, I will be traveling back to China with them to help them settle into their new homes."
David Field, the RZSS chief executive, emphasized the significant impact of the pandas on raising awareness about nature, inspiring millions of people to care about conservation. He also highlighted the contributions made through scientific research conducted in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, which has enhanced our understanding of giant pandas and will support conservation efforts for this remarkable species in China.
Furthermore, Field pointed out that the outlook for giant pandas in the wild has improved in recent years, offering hope for their future. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts at artificial insemination between Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the Edinburgh Zoo and Chinese veterinarians, with their last attempt in 2021, the zoo's giant panda breeding program was halted.
The Giant Pandas' return to China marks the end of an era at Edinburgh Zoo, where they have captured the hearts of visitors and played a crucial role in global panda conservation efforts. Photo by Mike Pennington, Wikimedia commons.