10/01/2011

UK Landmark Panda Deal Agreed

For the first time in 17 years, two giant pandas will be residing in Edinburgh Zoo.

The UK landmark deal was agreed at Lancaster House in London by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association.

The agreement was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Vice Premier of China Li Keqiang.

Born in 2003 the giant panda duo, named Tian Tian and Yangguang, will be under the custodianship of the zoo society.

After five years of political and diplomatic negotiations, it is anticipated the breeding pandas will arrive in their new home as soon as a date is agreed.

David Windmill, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: "This is a landmark day for RZSS, Edinburgh Zoo, the UK and China.

"It represents the beginning of a programme of research, education and partnership and the project has huge benefit for the UK and Scotland, both in supporting giant panda conservation and in enhancing our programmes in education, science and conservation."

Ambassador of China to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, said: "Pandas are a Chinese national treasure.

"This historical agreement is a gift to the people of the UK from China.

"It will represent an important symbol of our friendship and will bring our two people closer together."

(BMcN)


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