When Giant Pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived at Edinburgh Zoo in early December, 2011, the city was already at fever pitch. And we’ve been in love with them ever since. The news that we may well be returning them to China later this year will come as a blow to our many Panda loving residents.
By Kayt Turner
Published 4th Jan 2021, 09:24 BST
Updated 4th Jan 2021, 13:29 BST
When Giant Pandas Tian Tian (Sweeite) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) arrived at Edinburgh Zoo in early December, 2011, the city was already at fever pitch. And we’ve been in love with them ever since. The news that we may well be returning them to China later this year will come as a blow to our many Panda loving residents.
9. Nell Prescott, aged 3 years old. with the woolly new arrivals at Edinburgh Zoo
Nell Prescott, aged 3 years old. with the woolly new arrivals at Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is gearing up to welcome another giant panda duo…this time in the shape of two giant knitted pandas.
The wonderful woolly pair will take pride of place in the main entrance hall of the Zoo for all to see; visitors will be able to pass by these knitted characters on their way to meet the real pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang.
Keen knitters from the ‘Knit Wits’ a knitting group with members from all across Scotland and further afield joined together after taking inspiration from the UK’s only giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. The cross stitched twosome were originally made for an installation at a sculpture walk to help raise awareness for the charity, VSA.
Since then the panda pair – complete with woollen bamboo, a panda’s favourite foodstuff – have been on display in Braemar as a centrepiece for the creative arts festival and now are residing at Edinburgh Zoo only a stone’s throw from their real life doubles! Photo: x
10. Honor Llewellin 2, getting a cuddle from the giant pandas on Princes Street
Honor Llewellin 2, getting a cuddle from the giant pandas on Princes Street, as giant pandas have descended on Edinburgh this weekend for the semi-finals of the Chengdu Pambassador competition, which offers a chance for four people to become global Pambassadors and tour the world with a message of conservation. Photo: Mark Runnacles
11. Members of the public watch as male panda Yang Guang
Members of the public watch as male panda Yang Guang eats bamboo in his enclosure as he bulks up ahead of the breeding season at Edinburgh Zoo. Photo: Andrew Milligan