Edinburgh Zoo pandas: 16 photos of giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang in Edinburgh over the years
This week we learned Edinburgh Zoo’s much-loved giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang will be returning home to China. Since arriving in December 2011, the beautiful animals have drawn thousands of people to see them.
It was hoped the pair would have a cub together to help preserve the future of the species – but this wasn’t to be. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland was granted the pandas by the China Wildlife Conservation Association as a 10-year loan to Edinburgh Zoo. They are the only giant pandas in the whole of the UK. The Covid pandemic extended their stay, but it has been announced Tian Tian and Yang Guang will be leaving the Capital in around Autumn 2023.
5. Tian Tian
Giant Panda Tian Tia, whose name means 'sweetie' in Mandarin, relaxes in her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo. Photo: Jane Barlow
6. Live webcam
Animal lovers have been able to watch the giant pandas on Edinburgh Zoo's live webcam. Photo: Edinburgh Zoo
7. Yang Guang
Yang Guang celebrated his 9th birthday at Edinburgh Zoo and was treated to some 'Panda Delights'. Photo: Joey Kelly
8. Yang Guang
Yang Guang and Tian Tian spent time in each other's enclosures early one 2013 morning as part of the breeding process. Yang Guang can be seen on the lookout for Tian Tian before the exchange. Photo: Neil Hanna