Edinburgh Zoo suspends giant panda breeding programme

The giant panda breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo has been suspended after years of failed attempts.

The Zoo's two pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang won't attempt to breed this year, after failing six times since they were moved to the Capital in 2011.

Officials at the Zoo say they want to "pause" to look over the giant panda breeding process that's "incredibly complex and unpredictable" before they attempt again.

An Edinburgh Zoo spokeswoman said: "This pause, which is supported by our giant panda team and other key specialists, will allow us further time to consider the scientific data, our own experiences and those of colleagues around the world, including the latest thinking on giant panda accommodation.

"We routinely use data and learning to inform our approach to breeding, with the successful mating of our polar bears Victoria and Arktos and the birth of their cub at our Highland Wildlife Park a good example.

"In the meantime, the pause will also enable us to make some enhancements to our giant panda enclosure which would not have been practical either during or between breeding seasons.

"We very much hope Tian Tian has a cub in the future and will be thrilled if this happens. Even without breeding success as yet, RZSS is playing a crucial role in safeguarding this magnificent species by helping fund conservation projects in China alongside international partners. These projects are critical, with fewer than two thousand pandas in the wild."