London (CNS) –Two pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, born in the Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Wolong, will move to the Edinburgh Zoo by the end of this year and stay for 10 years, according to the joint research agreement reached between China and the U.K. earlier this year.
"There're just a few weeks to go before the pandas arrive. And as people count down to their arrival, I'm sure all of us look forward to welcoming these two cute pandas to Britain," said Chinese Ambassador to the U.K. Liu Xiaoming at the opening ceremony of Panda Partnership – UK schools welcome pandas from China, or Panda Pals, on November 10.
At its core, Panda Pals represents the growing scientific ties between China and Britain, and the arrival of the two pandas is part of a 10-year joint research program to find out how human-bred pandas can survive in the wild, added Ambassador Liu.
It will be the second time giant pandas show up in the UK after 37 years, which is especially delightful because next year is the 40 year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Liu said.
Hugh Roberts, chief executive of Edinburgh Zoo, said the zoo will create a comfortable home for the pair.
