Colic leaves giant panda Sunshine feeling under the weather

Yang Guang, the male panda, started showing signs of discomfort a few days ago and suffered a restless night on Wednesday.

The panda, whose name means “Sunshine”, was taken off display in order to give him a chance to recover, and is expected to be resting for anywhere between a few days to a few weeks.

His vets diagnosed colic and he has been given anti-inflammatory medication to ease his discomfort.

The condition has struck just weeks after Yang Guang and a female panda, Tian Tian, whose name means Sweetie, arrived in Edinburgh from China.

Colic is common in giant pandas as well as in human babies, affecting about one in five and causing them to cry relentlessly. The cause is unknown.

Yang Guang’s vet said the bear had not given any audible signs of distress but had been a little perturbed and had not slept as usual.

Iain Valentine, director of research and conservation at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “It’s not very serious but can cause some discomfort.

“He’s on medication to relieve this and we’re mainly keeping him relaxed and indoors, although we expect he’ll go out sometimes to stretch his legs.

“These episodes can sometimes last up to a couple of weeks, so he may not always be on show over the next week or so.

“Alison, our panda team leader, and the veterinary department are keeping a close eye on him. Having discussed this with our colleagues in China, they reassure us this is not uncommon in pandas.

“Tian Tian is right as rain and remains on show daily.”

Yang Guang’s indoor enclosure has been closed so he can recover in peace. He may be seen occasionally in his outdoor enclosure if he ventures outside for some fresh air during his recuperation.

Tian Tian and Yang Guang – the first giant pandas to live in the UK for 17 years – arrived at Edinburgh Zoo just over a month ago.

The eight-year-old breeding pair will stay in the capital for ten years. It is hoped they will eventually produce cubs.

Romain Pizzi, one of the vets at Edinburgh Zoo, said Yang Guang had not been vocalising his discomfort but keepers, who watch him 24 hours a day, had noticed his distress.

“It isn’t very serious,” he said. “He just looked a little bit more uncomfortable than normal. He is eating a little bit less than normal.”

He said it was disappointing for people who wanted to see him but added: “Animals anywhere can have a day when they fancy a break and feel a bit under the weather.”

And he added: “Unfortunately, occasionally this does happen with pandas. They do have periods with a little bit of discomfort.”

A zoo spokeswoman added: “He’s just having a duvet day. He needs a day off work. He’s catching up on some sleep.”

The pandas’ new £250,000 home at the zoo includes two separate enclosures.

When Tian Tian comes into season, the pair will be introduced to each other – possibly in February or March.

Tian Tian has had twin cubs in the past, and Yang Guang has also fathered cubs. They have yet to be brought together as a pair, though.

The rare animals’ arrival from Ya’an reserve in Chengdu, China, was the result of five years of work to bring them to Scotland.

Edinburgh Zoo is now one of only 13 zoos around the world with giant pandas.

Critics, including animal rights organisations, have condemned the decision to home the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, describing it as primarily a commercial venture.

Some have said it is not a credible way of saving the species, which is endangered.