Edinburgh pandas to return to China in December
Sunshine and Sweetie have lived in the capital for nearly 12 years
A pair of giant pandas which have been resident in Scotland's capital for nearly 12 years will be returned to their native China in early December this year, it has been confirmed.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) announced on Monday that Yang Guang (Sunshine) and Tian Tian (Sweetie) will likely be moved from Edinburgh Zoo within the first two weeks of the month although their exact date of departure is still being finalised.
The wildlife charity described the pandas as having an "incredible impact" during their stay by connecting millions of visitors with nature.
The pair were originally brought to Scotland in 2011 as part of a 10-year agreement between the RZSS and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, which was later extended by a further two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite efforts to breed the two pandas, female Tian Tian has not produced a cub during her time in Edinburgh.
She was believed to be pregnant in August 2017 but her hormone levels and behaviour later returned to normal.
Alison Maclean, carnivore team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, commented: "We are making arrangements with our partners in China for Yang Guang and Tian Tian to return in early December, possibly during the first week.
"Visitors to the zoo can expect to see them indoors and outside until the end of November, after which viewing will be outdoors only until they leave.
"Having cared for Yang Guang and Tian Tian since they arrived in 2011, I will be travelling back to China with them, to help them settle into their new homes."
The giant panda habitat at Edinburgh Zoo will become home to a new species which RZSS can support in the wild, which will be announced next year.