Popular Giant Panda Pair in UK That Contributed to Breeding Research Set to Return in China

(Photo : by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
April 15, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland

The two giant and pair pandas in the United Kingdom are expected to return to China this year, according to a recent report.

The two giant breeding pandas have been iconic in the United Kingdom that could breed a cub. The cute pandas were cared for and helped researchers and the zoo.

According to a recent report published in Phys.org, the Edinburg Zoo would return the two giant Panda to China. The pandas came to Edinburg in December 2011.

They are known as Yang Guang (Sunshine) and Tian Tian (Sweetie), which is part of a 10-year program arrangement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The giant pandas have been monumental and popular with visitors that managed to contribute to wildlife conservation. Being the only UK giant panda, they were provided with all support and love from visitors and the management.

Returning to China

It is expected that Yang Guang and Tian Tian will return to China before the end of October 2023.

According to the report and David Field, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland chief, the two giant pandas contributed to breeding research.

For about 11 years, the collaboration with China and the giant bears helped to bring new scientific research that has become important to protect and conserve the said species.

Before they depart from the country, the report said that the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) would have a giant farewell for the two this year, especially to the people who loved and cherished the two iconic pandas in the zoo.

However, the two giant pandas were not enthusiastic about producing a cub or breed. The article explained that giant pandas would not be easily bred inside captivity.

Recently, the report said that Yang Guang was treated for testicular cancer, leading to an urgent castration.

More about giant pandas

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are cute-looking and photogenic animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), giant pandas are recognized as a national treasure and meaning in China. They are frequently visited in zoos.

WWF explained that pandas are vulnerable to threats. The report said that there are about 1,865 giant pandas in the wild.

Adult giant pandas could still grow up to more than four feet.
They can weigh from 220 to 230 pounds.
They thrive or live in temperate forests in southwest China with bamboo.
They are known as the amazing three climbers despite their sizes.

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The report also added that the population of pandas still suffers from habitat loss. Construction development could impact their existence. Furthermore, habitat loss and forest damage could also affect pandas' survival in the wild.

On the other hand, the BBC reported that conservation efforts would be provided for new species.

In addition, the zoo said anyone would have the opportunity to bid farewell to two iconic pandas.