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.
. Yang Guang
Yang Guang, the male giant panda at Edinburgh Zoo, takes a stroll around his enclosure Photo: Neil Hanna
. Special delivery
The pandas arrived from China at Edinburgh Airport, before a police escort took them to Edinburgh Zoo on 4 December, 2011. Yang Guang, the male panda, is second off the plane, before being loaded into a Fedex van. Photo: Jayne Wright
. Hullo
Yang Guang, whose name means sunshine in Mandarin, makes his first appearance in front of the media since arriving from China in December 2011. Photo: Neil Hanna
. Conservation
Scottish scientists were able to study Yang Guang and Tian Tian's diet while they stayed at Edinburgh Zoo, in an effort to aid the conservation of this iconic species in the wild. Photo: Ian Georgeson
. Tian Tian
Giant Panda Tian Tia, whose name means 'sweetie' in Mandarin, relaxes in her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo. Photo: Jane Barlow
. Live webcam
Animal lovers have been able to watch the giant pandas on Edinburgh Zoo's live webcam. Photo: Edinburgh Zoo
9. Yang Guang
Yang Guang receives some delicious treats ahead of his 19th birthday on 14 August, 2022. Photo: LISA FERGUSON
10. A royal visit
The Princess Royal was taken to see Tian Tian the female panda on 26 February 2012. Photo: Ian Rutherford
11. Bamboo
Giant pandas must eat between 12-38kg of bamboo a day. They have evolved to depend entirely on bamboo, making them vulnerable to habitat loss in the wild. Photo: Ian Georgeson
12. Reflection
Yang Guang, the male panda, takes a stroll by the pond in his enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Photo: Neil Hanna