The gigantic pandas from Edinburgh Zoo will return to China in December, it has been announced.
Tian Tian and Yang Guang are required to return under the provisions of a 10-year loan that was extended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since they arrived in 2011, the couple has not produced any progeny.
RZSS, which runs Edinburgh Zoo, said the giant pandas have had a “incredible impact” on visitors.
The zoo has been paying China £750,000 per year for the pandas.
The departure date is currently being finalized.
True benefit
Alison Maclean, the carnivore team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are making arrangements with our partners in China for Yang Guang and Tian Tian to return in early December, potentially during the first week.
They will be visible indoors and outdoors until November, when they will only be seen outside until their departure.
She added, “Having cared for Yang Guang and Tian Tian since their 2011 arrival. I will accompany them to China to assist them in settling into their new homes.”
David Field, chief executive officer of the RZSS, stated, “With over a million species at risk of extinction and our natural world in crisis, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have had a tremendous impact by motivating millions of individuals to care about nature.
“Through scientific research conducted in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, we have also made a substantial contribution to our understanding of giant pandas, which will be of great use in China’s endeavors to protect this incredible species.
“The recent improvement in giant panda populations gives promise for the future.”
The zoo and Chinese veterinarians attempted eight times to artificially inseminate the pair without success. After the last attempt in 2021, the giant panda breeding program was discontinued.
