Saying Farewell to Edinburgh Zoo Pandas
You still have time to say farewell to Edinburgh zoo pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian. These two giant pandas have been at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) since December 2011. They are part of the 10-year exchange program with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Over the years, the pair did not have a successful offspring but still impacted the visitors and staff.
Yang Guang, meaning Sunshine, and Tian Tian, Sweetie, will leave their home and return to China in October. Before the pandas say their farewell, the zoo will have plenty of events for you to see them one last time. RZSS chief executive David Field said that the pandas have helped connect millions of people with nature and raise funds for wildlife. He said, “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.”
Edinburgh Zoo Pandas Tours
Starting on January 9th, you can book your panda excursions and meet the Edinburgh zoo pandas. The zoo will offer Pandamonium Tours where zoo members and panda adopters can enjoy a one-hour tour of the panda sanctuary for free. This is limited and provided as a first come, first serve basis.
Bamboo Brunch
The zoo will also offer a one-hour tour to the pandas’ home followed by a lunch at the zoo mansion. This bamboo brunch will be £48.50 for adults and 30 pounds for children. Patrons and members of the zoo will get discounts.
Pandas and pancakes
If you love pandas and pancakes, this offer is for you! After your one-hour pandas tour, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. Kids will also get to enjoy crafts where they make their panda toys. Adults will pay £29 and children 33 pounds. Again, you get a special discount if you’re a zoo member.
Giant Panda Magic Moment
For £500, Edibgburgh zoo members will get a 30-minute tour and a chance to feed Yang Guang. This means you get to be behind the scene and experience the true panda magic.
Caring for Tian Tian and Yang Guang costs the zoo 35k pounds a month. The zoo also pays China an annual 500k dollar fee for the borrowed pandas. The money is used to support welfare and panda research in China.
Are you planning a visit to bid farewell to Edinburgh zoo pandas?