A Pair of Pandas at UK Zoo Ends 12-Year Lease
Annual Rent 1.2 Billion Won...Visitors and Caretakers Both in Tears
A pair of giant pandas from a zoo in Scotland, UK, departed for China after 12 years.
On the 4th (local time), British media outlets including BBC and The Telegraph reported that the female giant panda 'Tian Tian' (甛甛) and the male 'Yang Guang' (陽光) boarded a special charter flight bound for Sichuan, China.
The specially made cage carrying them left the zoo that morning and was loaded onto a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777 cargo plane at Edinburgh Airport at 1:40 PM.
Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived in the UK in December 2011. Although the original lease period was 10 years, they stayed an additional two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
UK Zoo Paid 1.2 Billion Won Annually for Panda Lease
Edinburgh Zoo reportedly paid ?750,000 (approximately 1.24 billion KRW) annually to China as panda lease fees. In addition, The Guardian reported that ?3 million (about 4.949 billion KRW) was spent on habitat construction, ?2.4 million (about 3.959 billion KRW) on bamboo feed, along with zookeeper salaries and insurance fees.
The pandas were transported in a specially made steel cage measuring 190 cm in length, 146 cm in height, and 127 cm in width. The cage was equipped with a sliding door with a lock, a urine tray, and a removable screen. The zoo stated, "Although it looks small, there is actually quite a bit of space and it is not cramped," adding, "It was made based on the zookeepers' requests."
David Field, chairman of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which operates Edinburgh Zoo, said, "Everyone was sad when we said goodbye this morning," and added, "It is a sad event not only for the keepers but also for staff, visitors, and everyone who has watched via webcam." He continued, "Having species like pandas at the zoo inspired people to support animal conservation."
Pandas Underwent Training to Get Used to New Cage
Several preparations were made before the pandas' return. The zoo said that to comply with animal health regulations agreed upon by both governments, the pandas were quarantined starting early last month, with veterinarians conducting regular check-ups and collecting blood and fecal samples.
The pandas were trained to get accustomed to their new cage. Michael Livingston, the keeper who cared for Tian Tian and Yang Guang, said, "Since pandas like to lounge in the morning, we gradually moved their waking time earlier so they wouldn’t be uncomfortable when leaving early."
Only British keepers and veterinarians, Chinese keepers, and airline staff were on board the plane carrying Tian Tian and Yang Guang. Veterinarian Stephanie Mota said, "We plan to feed them plenty of bamboo throughout the flight and closely monitor their breathing, appetite, and excrement," adding, "Although the pandas were trained, they will not be in their best condition."
When the plane passes roughly halfway between Edinburgh and China, the British keepers will hand over the cage keys to the Chinese keepers, transferring responsibility. After arriving in Chengdu, Sichuan Province about 13 hours later, the pandas will undergo additional quarantine before being sent to different panda centers.
'Pugongju' Pubao Also Set to Return to China Next Year
Pubao, a panda popular domestically, must also be returned to China before turning four years old, in accordance with China's panda ownership policy. Born in July 2020, Pubao will turn four in July 2024 and is expected to be sent back to China before then.
This has led to some regretful reactions from netizens. Pubao has been affectionately called various nicknames such as 'Yongin Pussi,' 'Pugongju,' and 'Purungji,' and has enjoyed high popularity.
China, which holds ownership rights over all pandas worldwide, has been conducting "panda diplomacy" since the 1980s by leasing pandas to friendly countries. As of last year, China has sent pandas to a total of 21 countries, including South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Four Southeast Asian countries?Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore?are also included.
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