Giant pandas could be coming to Scotland
Monday, 12 May 2008 17:07
The population of giant pandas in the wild is currently around 1,500
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A breeding pair of giant pandas from China could be given on loan to Edinburgh Zoo, conservationists have announced.
Officials from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) have been working to bring the pair to Scotland.
If successful the Scottish capital would be only the eighth zoo in the western hemisphere to care for the endangered species.
The loan would see the pandas in Edinburgh Zoo for ten years, during which time conservationists hope they would give birth to cubs.
In return for the temporary care of the pandas the zoo would collaborate on research projects benefiting conservation in the wild and help provide funding for these projects.
RZSS chief executive David Windmill said: "Working with giant pandas means so much more to us than introducing a new species to our collection.
"It is an opportunity to work on a global level with other conservationists to gain a better understanding of the giant panda, the threats they face, and what we can do to ensure their survival."
Staff hope to have the pandas at the zoo by next year.
