Giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrive in Edinburgh - Telegraph Wildlife Giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrive in Edinburgh The first pandas to come to Britain in almost two decades may have arrived as a couple but they will spend the majority of their lives apart. Giant panda Yang Guang settles into his new home at Edinburgh Zoo Photo: ROB MCDOUGALL Giant panda Tian Tian is unloaded from a plane at Edinburgh Airport Photo: PA Graphic showing how the two giant pandas were transported from Chengdu to Edinburgh Panda Yang Guang arrives at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland Photo: GETTY By Auslan Cramb , and Richard Alleyne 6:15AM GMT 05 Dec 2011 Comments The pair, who it is hoped will produce cubs during their 10 year stay, will be housed in adjacent cages separated by bullet proof glass. While they may be able to see each other, they will only come together for a few days a year - to mate. The separate lives are designed to mimic behaviour in the wild and to prevent the pair fighting which has happened with previous attempts to mate pandas in captivity.

Flown into Edinburgh on a private jet, with an entourage of helpers and greeted by thousands of people, there was no doubting the couple’s superstar status. There was a welcoming party on the red carpet, a bagpipe greeting and bamboo cake. Related Articles Giant pandas arrive 04 Dec 2011 Tian Tian and Yang Guang - the names translate as Sweetie and Sunshine - are the first giant pandas to live in the UK for 17 years, in what is seen as a reinstatement of "panda diplomacy". They flew with four dedicated staff, including a vet and two animal handlers, and were treated throughout as VIPs - that is Very Important Pandas. Capt Paul Cassel, the chief FedEx pilot, said the pair were among the most precious cargo he had flown and “not unlike humans in first class, who sit back, eat, drink and enjoy the ride". Tian Tian appeared subdued after the 10-hour flight from Chengdu in the Sichuan province of China, while the “happy go lucky” Yang Guang looked, like any weary long-haul passenger, eager to escape.

They will spend 10 years at Edinburgh Zoo as part of a global conservation programme, and will be unveiled to the public on December 16, after a settling-in period. Their new homes are semi-detached £250,000 enclosures with caves, pools, climbing features and bullet-proof glass, that allow them to see each other. But like pandas in the wild, they will only be brought together to mate. Their keepers hope they will not only find the cool climate to their liking, but will become the first giant pandas to breed in Britain, potentially in February when Tian Tian could be receptive for a whole 48 hours. Their arrival marks the culmination of a five-year project, backed by the Princes Royal, David Cameron, the Prime Minister, and Alex Salmond, the First Minister, who is currently in China. It is hoped it will be more successful than in 1974 when Prime Minister Edward Heath returned from China with Ching-Ching and Chia-Chia for London Zoo. Those panda's proved to be less diplomatic than their donors had originally intended.

Keeping Ching-Ching and Chia-Chia proved a "pretty expensive business" not only in bamboo shoots but in also providing the appropriate shelter. So much so that London Zoo was forced to launch a public appeal for funds. Sadly the pair never produced any cubs and after Ching-Ching's death in 1985, aged 12 or 13, Chia-Chia was sent on a permanent breeding loan to the Mexico City Zoo. Without its star attractions London Zoo, immediately started negotiations with China and other zoos for a new pair. Finally, in 1991, Ming Ming arrived from China and Bao Bao from Berlin Zoo. However, the couple fought savagely and produced no cubs. They were sent home in "disgrace" in 1994. The latest pandas were met by Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister, and the Chinese Charges d‘Affaires. Officials from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the charity that runs the zoo, said it was a "historic occasion". Panda-cams will provide online footage of the animals during their stay and are expected to attract viewers from around the world.

Their annual food bill is estimated at £70,000, and although their diet consists mostly of bamboo, they will also eat rats, mice and eggs. The zoo will also have to pay around £600,000 a year to the Chinese authorities for the animals, which are expected to boost visitor numbers by 70 per cent. An extra one million visitors are expected over the decade. The panda merchandise is in the shop, more than 1,500 advance tickets have been sold and companies are being invited to buy £12,000 corporate VIP packages, featuring a buffet lunch, followed by one hour private viewings. Conservationists estimate there are 1,600 pandas remain in the wild, and animal welfare groups have criticised the project as "primarily commercial". A spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said: "Edinburgh Zoo is putting the 'con' in conservation by trying to hoodwink the public into believing that the salvation of pandas lies in warehousing these sensitive animals.

"If the zoo were serious about helping pandas, they would be asking the public to donate to schemes that protect pandas in their native habitats." Chris Draper, of the Born Free Foundation, said the panda deal was a "short-sighted and retrograde step" designed to resurrect the fortunes of a “fading visitor attraction”. Tian Tian and Yang Guang the giant pandas land in Scotland - Telegraph Wildlife Tian Tian and Yang Guang the giant pandas land in Scotland Two giant pandas – the first to live in the UK for almost 20 years – have arrived in Scotland. Giant panda Yang Guang settles into his new home at Edinburgh Zoo Photo: ROB MCDOUGALL Giant panda Tian Tian is unloaded from a plane at Edinburgh Airport Photo: PA Graphic showing how the two giant pandas were transported from Chengdu to Edinburgh Panda Yang Guang arrives at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland Photo: GETTY Giant pandas Yang Guang, right, and Tian Tian Photo: REUTERS / PA 2:04PM GMT 04 Dec 2011 Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived at Edinburgh Airport at 1pm on a specially-chartered non-stop flight from China.

The eight-year-old breeding pair are destined for Edinburgh Zoo, which will be their new home for the next 10 years. Tian Tian, whose name means "sweetie", and Yang Guang, meaning "sunlight", travelled from China on board a Boeing 777F flight dubbed the FedEx "Panda Express", along with a vet and two animal handlers. Four pilots with "extensive experience" in transporting some of the world's most precious cargo, including white rhinos and penguins, were also on the flight. "I am delighted to confirm that the FedEx Panda Express has safely touched down at Edinburgh International Airport," said Captain Paul Cassell. Related Articles Joy and tears for Panda Express 04 Dec 2011 "It was an absolute privilege and honour to fly Tian Tian and Yang Guang, and to be part of this significant moment to bring the pandas to their new home in the UK. Although every flight is unique, this flight has been particularly special – carrying such rare animals made the journey very exciting for all of us." The animals, who were given an in-flight meal of bamboo, apples, carrots and a special "panda cake", were greeted at the airport by a large media presence, including foreign journalists.

The company said months of preparation and planning had been involved to make the journey possible. Their arrival also marks the culmination of a five-year effort to bring the giant pandas to Scotland. They will now have two weeks to settle into their new enclosure before going on display to the public. It is hoped that the pandas, the first to live in the UK for 17 years, will eventually give birth to cubs. Zoo bosses have described their arrival as a "historic occasion" for the visitor attraction and the UK as a whole. The Scottish Government and tourism officials hope the animals' presence will boost the economy and visitor numbers to the country. Scottish ministers also said the loan of the pandas symbolises a "growing friendship" between Scotland and China. First Minister Alex Salmond is in China at the moment. However animal welfare campaigners have criticised the move, suggesting it has more to do with commercial deals and was not a credible way to go about saving the endangered species. Sweetie and Sunlight were born in 2003 and lived at the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China. During their time in Edinburgh, they will be in the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Online footage of the two animals, from four hidden "panda-cams" in their enclosures, is expected to attract viewers from around the world. Edinburgh Zoo is to grow about 15% of the bamboo needed to feed the giant pandas. The rest of the plant is to be imported from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Arrival of pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Zoo - Announcements - GOV.UK Arrival of pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Zoo From: China This news article was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government The arrival of pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang in the UK will play an important part in efforts to save this magnificent but sadly threatened species, and is a reflection of the strength of our relationship with China. Speaking of the arrival of the two pandas today, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I’m delighted by the arrival of pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Zoo today, which is a reflection of the strength of our relationship with China. It shows that we can co-operate closely not only on commerce, but on a broad range of environmental and cultural issues as well.

“These two pandas will not just be a fantastic attraction, but their arrival in the UK will play an important part in efforts to save this magnificent but sadly threatened species. “I know that a huge amount of work has gone into securing their loan and they will be a great showcase for UK-China links in science and research.” FCO Minister Jeremy Browne said: “Being able to welcome these pandas today is the culmination of many years’ hard work in both the UK and China, and Edinburgh Zoo’s determination to preserve this iconic species. “The loan symbolises a strengthening of our relationship with China. We are partners for growth and are seeing our business and cultural links grow and expand into new areas all the time. The UK Giant Panda Project is an imaginative element of our future cooperation. I am sure that thousands of British people will enjoy visiting the pandas. “Having seen these incredible animals for myself on my recent visit to China, I feel especially encouraged by the conservation efforts taking place to ensure their future. It is essential that this continues.

Edinburgh Zoo’s support through this loan will play a major role in developing research programmes and conserving the bears’ natural environment for future generations.” Share this page Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo: Tian Tian and Yang Guang celebrate their first Christmas in the UK | Daily Mail Online comments As much of the population reaches for the indigestion remedies after gorging on their Christmas dinner, it would seem they were not alone in the over-indulgence stakes today. The UK's only pair of giant pandas celebrated their first Christmas in Scotland - by devouring extra helpings of panda cake. Tian Tian and Yang Guang - or Sunshine and Sweetie - have been getting used to their new home in Edinburgh Zoo since arriving from China on December 4. Scroll down for the video The taste of Christmas: Tian Tian tucks in to her special panda cake in her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Extra helping: Tian Tian, one of the UK's only pair of giant pandas, celebrated her first Christmas in Scotland Thousands have flocked to see the eight-year-olds since they went on display to the public for the first time last week. On Christmas morning, zoo bosses dished out an extra portion of the special panda cake made from soya, corn, rice, egg and oil.

RELATED ARTICLES Share Yang Guang goes through 55kg of bamboo daily and Tian Tian around 30kg in total. They get four deliveries of fresh bamboo every day while also munching on carrots and panda cake as part of their specially-tailored balanced diet. I could get used to this: Tian Tian (pictured) and Yang Guang - or Sunshine and Sweetie - have been settling to into their new home since arriving in Edinburgh on December 4 The zoo will be their home for the next 10 years and it is hoped that the breeding pair, the first pandas in the UK for 17 years, will produce cubs during their stay. The animals' arrival from Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China, is the result of five years of work to bring them to Scotland. Edinburgh Zoo is now one of only 13 zoos in the world with pandas.

Sleeping it off: The panda looks exhausted after her Christmas feast Taking it easy: Tian Tian stretches after gorging on her festive treats Bear-obics: On second thought, some physical activity might aid digestion The pair arrived from China in a 777 aircraft, nicknamed the 'FedEx Panda Express', transported in sepcially-designed crates with perspex sides. Tian Tian and Yang Guang then made the 15-minute journey from the aiport to the zoo in a lorry. Staff from the FedEx Express said the pandas' in-flight meals included bamboo, apples, carrots, mineral water - and a special panda cake. Still peckish? Yang Guang starts on the bamboo after demolishing the panda cakes Tourist attraction: Keeper Sharon Hatton stands in front of Yang Guang.

Thousands have flocked to see the eight-year-old pandas since they made their debut last week Chewing the fat: Yang Guang appears to be thinking thing over as he cleans his teeth with a bamboo shoot Edinburgh zoo pandas 'ready to mate' | World news | The Guardian Edinburgh zoo pandas 'ready to mate' Zoo's director of giant pandas says the pair's short-lived breeding season could start within hours Edinburgh zoo's giant pandas, Tian Tian (right) and Yang Guang. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod Tuesday 16 April 2013 09.13 EDT First published on Tuesday 16 April 2013 09.13 EDT Close This article is 3 years old Edinburgh zoo's two pandas are close to beginning their second tryst, after the zoo announced that their short-lived breeding season could start within hours. The zoo said that the "love tunnel" separating the neighbouring enclosures for the female giant panda, Tian Tian, and the male, Yang Guang, could be opened on Tuesday afternoon or during the night, to exploit their extremely tight 36-hour breeding season.

The pair's keepers and panda experts from Germany and China believe Tian Tian will be at her most fertile early on Wednesday morning, when the pair would again be put in each other's enclosures being released to meet directly. Even if the zoo's efforts to coax the pair into a voluntary coupling succeed, biologists under the direction of a Chinese panda expert will try artificial insemination over Tuesday night or Wednesday to increase the chances of producing young. As well as having a remarkably short breeding season, which accounts in large part for their very low population numbers – it is believed there are only about 1,500 left in the wild in addition to the 350 in captivity – there is also a risk that consummation will fail to produce young. Tian Tian and Yang Guang – their names translate as Sweetie and Sunshine – have been under close scrutiny and supervision as their breeding season approaches. Tian Tian's sexual hormone levels have been measured daily to predict when they might peak. In a gesture of politeness, and to allow zoo staff to work without the world's prying eyes, the "panda cam" which beamed live images of their enclosures over the web was switched off several days ago.

Iain Valentine, the zoo's director of giant pandas, said: "The annual panda breeding season is imminent and the next 24 hours are critical. Tian Tian is not quite ready yet, however, her hormones could peak as soon as this afternoon, this evening, overnight or early tomorrow morning – we are now that close. Yang Guang is more than ready and is a completely different animal to this time last year." Valentine said the pair had been "communicating heavily" through a grate in a short tunnel which divides their enclosures inside a linking building; when they are sufficiently familiar with each other again, that gate will be opened. "Last year we saw all the right signals at this stage – Tian Tian was calling out repeatedly to Yang Guang and both were heavily interested in each other," Valentine said. "When the door opens the pair will probably wrestle once more to assess each other's strength, which is vitally important for animals of this size and power, and then things should progress from there." Valentine said Edinburgh's efforts were being supported by Prof Wang of the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas in Wolong and specialists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin.

"Artificial insemination will follow on from the natural mating attempts, whether they mate naturally or not. We have several world-leading experts on artificial insemination and reproduction management of endangered species on hand to assist RZSS [Royal Zoological Society of Scotland] specialists," he added. "Two teams will work simultaneously with Tian Tian and Yang Guang in their indoor viewing areas, firstly to get a fresh semen sample from the male and then to artificially inseminate the female. "The timing of procedure is critical. As soon as Tian Tian hits peak her hormones will start to fall and artificial insemination will probably take place very soon afterwards; this again could be as soon as this evening, overnight or tomorrow morning." The pair were loaned to the zoo for 10 years in a deal including a $1m (£653,000) per year fee to the Chinese, as a diplomatic gesture to cement the increasingly close economic ties between China, now the world's second largest economy, and Scotland . The pandas flew into Edinburgh in December 2011 , several months after the loan deal was formally agreed in tandem with multimillion-pound investment agreements by Chinese companies in the Grangemouth oil refinery near the Scottish capital.

Last year's first pairing failed , after the pandas' increasingly amorous advances ended without any intercourse. A successful breeding of panda cubs would be immensely rewarding for the zoo; as the zoo's senior staff were in the latter stages of negotiating the loan, it emerged that in 2010 its owners, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, needed a £2m rescue loan after suffering a £1.5m loss and a sharp fall in visitor numbers. Even one panda cub would be expected to draw large crowds, boosting the zoo's gate receipts and merchandising sales, and helping meet the significant costs of keeping the panda family. In addition to the £653,000-a-year loan payments, the zoo has to specially import bamboo by air from Amsterdam, while spending more on staff costs, equipping and maintaining the pandas' £250,000 enclosures, and on a major panda-related marketing campaign.

The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of photo highlights from around the world, including a Hockney auction, burning incense and Paris fashion Published: 30 Sep 2016 A year after their arrival at Edinburgh Zoo, Tian Tian and Yang Guang are on the verge of their greatest performance Published: 23 Feb 2013 Fans of the panda are celebrating its removal from the endangered list – and it’s not the only species to have been pulled back from the brink Published: 5 Sep 2016 Global warming will wipe out much of the bamboo on which the bears rely for food, according to a new study Published: 12 Nov 2012 Pandas Tian Tian And Yang Guang Go Climbing | The Huffington Post Pandas Tian Tian And Yang Guang Go Climbing 08/02/2012 17:47 PA/Huffington Post UK Pandas don't only eat shoots and leaves, they also... climb! At least if the UK's only giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian are anything to go by. The Scottish pandas have now been showing off their climbing skills after keepers gave them new toys to play with.

Male panda Yang Guang was said to be especially delighted to discover the frame in his enclosure this morning, which staff at Edinburgh Zoo filmed and posted on YouTube. The video clip shows the 18-stone animal deftly climb on to the frame and swing from the top by his back paws. Staff at the zoo made the climbing frames especially for the pandas. Each frame has platforms, ramps and a roofed tree house. Tian Tian the panda was more reserved. Staff are used to seeing the pandas in more dozy positions Alison Maclean, panda keeper at the zoo, said: "With little hesitation, Yang Guang bravely headed straight up on the roof of his tree house to explore. "With curiosity to rival a cat, he smoothly manoeuvred himself to hang off the tree house, swinging head-first backwards and forwards, with only his back paws holding on to the roof above. "Whilst rubbing his face with his front paws he looked like he was having a great time. But I must admit, I took a deep intake of breath at his boldness. "Pandas are extremely agile, often climbing trees and getting themselves into positions that seem almost impossible to us.

"It was a brilliant moment seeing Yang Guang inspecting his new climbing frame and showing typical panda behaviour. He even rolled around on the tree house roof, tummy to the sun. "We hope to see them dozing happily on their platforms as warmer weather comes to Scotland." The male panda played on the wooden platform Around 70,000 people have seen Tian Tian and Yang Guang since they were put on public display in December, more than three times the number which visited the zoo in the same period of 2010. Tian Tian and Yang Guang only recently went back on public display after a bought of illness. Yang Guang was removed from public view in early January because he had colic. Tian Tian, the female, was also taken off show with the same condition. The pandas arrived in Edinburgh from Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China, on 4 December. They went on show to zoo visitors for the first time on December 16 once they had acclimatised to their new surroundings. Edinburgh Zoo will be the animals' home for the next 10 years and it is hoped the breeding pair - the first pandas in the UK for 17 years - will produce cubs during their stay.

Giant pandas touch down in Scotland | UK news | The Guardian Scotland Giant pandas touch down in Scotland Bagpipes and cheers greet Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the first pandas to live in UK for 17 years Scotland Giant pandas touch down in Scotland Bagpipes and cheers greet Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the first pandas to live in UK for 17 years Press Association Sunday 4 December 2011 10.13 EST First published on Sunday 4 December 2011 10.13 EST Close This article is 5 years old Two giant pandas – the first to live in the UK for 17 years – arrived in Scotland on Sunday. Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived at Edinburgh airport at 1pm on a chartered nonstop flight from China. The eight-year-old breeding pair are destined for Edinburgh Zoo, which will be their home for the next 10 years. Tian Tian, the female, whose name means sweetie, and Yang Guang, meaning sunlight, travelled from China on board a Boeing 777F flight dubbed the FedEx Panda Express, with a vet and two animal handlers.

Four pilots with "extensive experience" in transporting some of the world's most precious cargo, including white rhinos and penguins, were on the flight. "I am delighted to confirm that the FedEx Panda Express has safely touched down at Edinburgh International Airport," said Captain Paul Cassell. "It was an absolute privilege and honour to fly Tian Tian and Yang Guang, and to be part of this significant moment to bring the pandas to their new home in the UK. Although every flight is unique, this flight has been particularly special – carrying such rare animals made the journey very exciting for all of us." The animals, who were given an in-flight meal of bamboo, apples, carrots and a special "panda cake", were greeted at the airport by a large media presence. The company said months of preparation and planning had made the journey possible. Their arrival also marks the culmination of a five-year effort to bring the giant pandas to Scotland. They will now have two weeks to settle into their new enclosure before going on display to the public. It is hoped that the pandas will eventually have cubs. The Scottish government and tourism officials hope the animals' presence will boost the economy and visitor numbers.

Scottish ministers said the loan of the pandas symbolises a "growing friendship" between Scotland and China. First minister Alex Salmond is in China. Animal welfare campaigners have criticised the move, suggesting it has more to do with commercial deals and was not a credible way to go about saving the endangered species. Sweetie and Sunlight were born in 2003 and lived at the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China. While in Edinburgh, they will be in the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Online footage of the two animals, from four hidden "panda-cams" in their enclosures, is expected to attract viewers from around the world. Edinburgh Zoo will grow about 15% of the bamboo needed to feed the giant pandas. The rest is to be imported from Amsterdam. Scottish secretary Michael Moore was at the airport to welcome the pandas. He said: "The arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang in Scotland marks another significant chapter in the relationship between China and the UK. "The pair will be a huge asset to the zoo and Edinburgh and today marks the culmination of a great deal of work by UK government ministers and officials to bring the pandas here.

"That has been made possible by our influence on the world stage and our international network of relations. The pandas are a symbol of the regard in which the UK is held around the world. I have no doubt they will prove a huge attraction and warmly welcome them to their new home here in Scotland." Salmond will thank the Chinese vice-premier, Li Keqiang, in a meeting in Beijing on Monday. Salmond said: "As panda-mania hits Scotland, and we extend a warm Scottish welcome to Tian Tian and Yang Guang, I am delighted to have the opportunity to personally thank the Chinese government and extend our thanks to vice premier Li Keqiang, who visited Edinburgh himself earlier this year.'' The plane touched down just after 1pm, with the first sighting of the pandas at around 1.40pm. They were unloaded to the sound of bagpipes and cheers, with Tian Tian brought out first. The flight crew was met on the tarmac by a delegation which included Moore, deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Edinburgh's lord provost George Grubb. Sturgeon said: "This is a historic occasion for Scotland and I am delighted to welcome these giant pandas to their new home.

Securing the loan of this breeding pair is a considerable honour and a strong and compelling symbol of the friendship between Scotland and China. "Having Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh zoo is testament to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's world-class reputation for research, science and conservation. They will undoubtedly be a huge draw for visitors, benefiting the Scottish economy and tourism sector.

"Scotland's relationship with China is hugely important and the pandas represent a fantastic opportunity to deepen our business, cultural and diplomatic ties." Yang Guang and Tian Tian meet the crowds as 850 Edinburgh zoo staff and their families are allowed in for private visit Published: 12 Dec 2011 While pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian are getting over their jetlag at Edinburgh zoo, we assess what we've learned about these notoriously difficult bears Published: 5 Dec 2011 Tian Tian and Yang Guang are adapting well to new £250,000 home at Edinburgh zoo after nine-hour flight from China Published: 5 Dec 2011 Tian Tian and Yang Guang, the first giant pandas to live in the UK for almost 20 years, fly in from China Published: 5 Dec 2011 Giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang to give tourist boost to Edinburgh | Daily Mail Online Two giant pandas are expected to attract thousands of tourists to Edinburgh after they arrived in the Scottish capital from China. Tian Tian and Yang Guang landed at Edinburgh Airport at 1pm on a specially-chartered non-stop flight yesterday.

The eight-year-old breeding pair are the first pandas to live in the UK for almost 20 years and will live in Edinburgh Zoo for the next 10 years. Star attraction: Yang Guang settles into his new home at Edinburgh Zoo Tian Tian, whose name means ‘sweetie’, and Yang Guang, meaning ‘sunlight’, travelled from China on board a Boeing 777F flight dubbed the FedEx ‘Panda Express’, along with a vet and two animal handlers. Four pilots with ‘extensive experience’ in transporting some of the world's most precious cargo, including white rhinos and penguins, were also on the flight. The animals, who were given an in-flight meal of bamboo, apples, carrots and a special ‘panda cake’, were greeted at the airport by a large media presence, including foreign journalists. The FedEx plane touched down just after 1pm, with the first sighting of the pandas at around 1.40pm. They were unloaded from the aircraft to the sound of bagpipes and cheers, with female panda Tian Tian brought out first.

Special delivery: The pandas travelled on board a Boeing 777F flight dubbed the FedEx 'Panda Express' Their arrival marks the culmination of a five-year effort to bring the giant pandas to Scotland. They will now have two weeks to settle into their new enclosure before going on display to the public on 16 December. A spokesman for the zoo said the two pandas had spent the first night at their new home sleeping off the effects of jet lag. He said: 'They are experiencing a little bit of jet lag, just like anyone else would after a long flight, but apart from that they are fine. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share 'They have two hours sleep, wake up, get fed, and then go back to sleep. They are eating well. 'We are working now on getting them into a routine after their first night. But they are frolicking around in their new inside enclosure and it's so far, so good.' Sweetie and Sunlight were born in 2003 and lived at the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China. During their time in Edinburgh, they will be in the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Online footage of the two animals, from four hidden ‘panda-cams’ in their enclosures, is expected to attract viewers from around the world. Precious cargo: Tian Tian is unloaded from the plane at Edinburgh Airport Their new homes, which cost £275,000 to build, were designed by animal psychologists to replicate their natural habitat. They come complete with dens, 'his and her' pools, a viewing platform and specially-shaped rocks that the pandas can lie back on while they chew their bamboo. Each bear will have a climbing frame that will enable them to see each other over the tops of their enclosures and there is also a special ‘love tunnel’ where the pair can meet if they are feeling amorous. It is hoped that the pandas will eventually give birth to cubs and a special nursery has been built for any offspring. Welcoming committee: Locals lined to streets to greet the pandas as they arrived in the Scottish capital Edinburgh Zoo is to grow about 15% of the bamboo needed to feed the giant pandas. The rest of the plant is to be imported from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The bamboo will cost the zoo £70,000 a year and it is paying the Chinese around £636,000 a year for the privilege of having the pandas. Zoo bosses have described their arrival as an ‘historic occasion’ for the visitor attraction and the UK as a whole. The Scottish Government and tourism officials hope the animals' presence will boost the economy and visitor numbers to the country. Visitor numbers at the zoo are expected to rise by 70% in the first year of the pandas’ arrival and the zoo can expect even more visitors if the pair have cubs. There has already been huge interest from the public and last week the zoo’s ticket website crashed due to a surge in demand. Hefty food bill: The pandas' bamboo will cost Edinburgh Zoo £70,000 a year Scottish ministers said the loan of the pandas symbolises a ‘growing friendship’ between Scotland and China. Scottish Secretary Michael Moore was at the airport to welcome the pandas. He said: ‘The arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang in Scotland marks another significant chapter in the relationship between China and the UK.

‘The pair will be a huge asset to the Zoo and Edinburgh and today marks the culmination of a great deal of work by UK Government ministers and officials to bring the pandas here. ‘That has been made possible by our influence on the world stage and our international network of relations. The pandas are a symbol of the regard in which the UK is held around the world. I have no doubt they will prove a huge attraction and warmly welcome them to their new home here in Scotland.’ However animal welfare campaigners have criticised the move, suggesting it has more to do with commercial deals and was not a credible way to go about saving the endangered species. Q&A: Edinburgh's giant pandas - BBC News BBC News Q&A: Edinburgh's giant pandas 12 August 2014 Close share panel Image copyright PA Image caption Tian Tian, pictured in April this year, a few days before she was artificially inseminated Since they took up residence in Edinburgh Zoo, they have become two of the city's best-known characters. Yang Guang and Tian Tian, the giant pandas, arrived in a 10-year loan deal from the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China, on 4 December 2011.

The pair, who are are both aged 10, have since attracted visitors from around the world. Tian Tian conceived for the first time in 2013, but the pregnancy failed. Now the zoo says it believes she is pregnant again and may give birth at the end of the month. When did Tian Tian become pregnant? Tian Tian was artificially inseminated on 13 April after she failed to mate naturally. Experts began to analyse hormone and protein levels on a daily basis in Tian Tian's urine. In July, Edinburgh Zoo announced she had conceived although was not technically pregnant. On 12 August, Iain Valentine, director of Giant Pandas for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said the latest scientific data did suggest Tian Tian was pregnant and may give birth at the end of the month. Two Chinese experts with experience of dealing with panda births are due to arrive in Scotland later this month to support the Edinburgh Zoo team monitoring Tian Tian. But Mr Valentine cautioned that the late loss of a cub remains a possibility. Has Tian Tian been pregnant before? Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Nine-year-old giant panda Yang Guang has fathered cubs before Tian Tian has given birth to cubs before and Yang Guang has also fathered cubs.

But this took place in China before their arrival at Edinburgh Zoo. They were unsuccessful during 2012's mating season and the following April Tian Tian was artificially inseminated. The zoo says it had been able to confirm she became pregnant in 2013 although believes it she reabsorbed the foetus late term. This is a common occurrence in giant pandas in both zoos and the wild. How long does a panda pregnancy last? Pandas normally mate in April or May and the female gives birth in August or September. Both Yang Guang and Tian Tian were August cubs. Unusually, though, pandas sometimes have what's called delayed implantation which means the length of time from mating to giving birth can be extended because the female panda's body may respond to adverse conditions. Could there be twins? Image copyright Getty Images Pandas quite often have twins, although, in the wild, the mother would decide quite early which cub was stronger and the other wouldn't survive. In captivity, every effort is made to rear both cubs. And Tian Tian has had twins in the past. Would the panda cub or cubs remain in Edinburgh? Edinburgh Zoo has a financial arrangement with the Chinese authorities.

The zoo will keep Yang Guang and Tian Tian for 10 years at an annual fee of £600,000. As part of the deal, any cubs will remain in Edinburgh for two years before being sent back to China. At that age, cubs would be independent of their mothers in the wild. When will the public be able to see any new panda cub or cubs? It could be several months before Tian Tian and a new panda cub or cubs will be seen by the public after a birth. Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo need to obtain a free timed ticket to see the panda enclosure. Because of the possible pregnancy, viewing of the indoor dens of the enclosure were closed to the public at the start of August this year. The zoo said this was because it was a "critical time" in Tian Tian's potential pregnancy and she was showing sensitivity to noise. The outdoor viewing areas remained open but zoo officials say the entire panda enclosure will be closed to visitors from 16 August until further notice. It says visitors with pre-booked tickets for dates after 15 August will be contacted by email with details on how to re-arrange their bookings.

Edinburgh Zoo has indicated the enclosure could reopen several weeks after a birth, with only Yang Guang on view in the first instance. Why do giant pandas seem to find it so difficult to breed? Image copyright Getty Images The number of giant pandas is very small, perhaps 1,600 in the wild and another 300 in zoos. One important reason for their decline has been destruction of the bamboo forests where they live in south-west China. The Chinese recognise that pandas need to be able to move around freely and so are trying to link up existing areas which are presently broken up by roads or railways. It is also true that female pandas will only mate during a 36-hour window each year. In the wild, they might have several partners in that period. In captivity, zoos are using artificial insemination to replicate those breeding opportunities. Some ecologists have argued that pandas are already doomed to extinction because their limited diet makes it impossible for them to adapt. Optimists say they've already survived for eight million years - considerably longer than humans. Why did Yang Guang and Tian Tian come to Edinburgh? Image copyright Getty Images There was considerable diplomatic effort on the part of the Scottish and UK governments, with the zoo also making its own case.

Edinburgh Zoo argued that they had suitable staff and could call on outside experts who would work together on panda breeding and conservation. Since the agreement was reached, staff from Edinburgh have been working closely with Chinese panda specialists. Scottish keepers have been to the panda breeding centre near Chengdu in Sichuan Province and panda conservationists from China have come to Edinburgh. Aside from conservation, the giant pandas represent a potential financial lifeline for Edinburgh Zoo which had been suffering falling visitor numbers before Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived. In the first year of the Edinburgh pandas, the zoo enjoyed a 50% increase in its visitor numbers, more than enough to cover the cost of payments to China. A report last year from Scottish Enterprise estimated they will generate almost £28m for the Edinburgh economy during their 10-year stay, with an additional £19m being spent in the wider Scottish economy.

Question: Tian Tian and Yang Guang are?
Answer: Pandas