Chinese experts invited for final panda pen inspection

THE arrival of two giant pandas to Edinburgh has moved a step closer, after Chinese experts were invited to carry out a final inspection of their new home.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland invited the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association to visit Edinburgh Zoo this October to assess the facilities being created for the animals.

Breeding pair Tian Tian and Yang Guang are being brought to the UK under a historic agreement with China. However, the zoo must have the association's approval before the Chinese government decides the date of the pandas' arrival.

The animals are expected to arrive by the end of this year, as announced by Premier Wen Jiabao when he visited the UK in June.

A delegation from Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Centre in China visited the zoo in July to see the preparations being made for the pandas' move.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of Edinburgh Zoo, said: "We had a very successful and productive series of meetings, sharing ideas and allowing the delegation to review our progress. They were happy with our progress so far and, with their input, our facilities will be delivered to the highest-possible specification."

Mr Roberts said the zoo had agreed to make some alterations to the enclosures, with future cubs in mind, which he described as "baby-proofing measures".