World panda experts launch education project

More than 65 panda experts from around the world gathered at Edinburgh Zoo this week for the Giant Panda Research Symposium, which took place from September 10 to 12.

Experts aimed to develop a five year plan to help the species thrive in the wild once again. This plan is focused on five key areas: field ecology, veterinary research, artificial breeding and infant panda care, genetic management and cognitive evolution and behavioural research.

Alongside this research, a collaborative education project between the UK and China aims to enhance relations and raise awareness among school children.

The project has been developed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Discovery and Learning Team, who will be working closely with sponsors Jaguar Land Rover.

Learning packs on Chinese culture will be created and distributed throughout UK schools. In addition, funding for a learning trip to China will be given to a select group of Scottish students in 2014, and a unique Confucius China Classroom will be set up at Edinburgh Zoo.

Chris West, CEO of RZSS, said: "We are delighted to cooperate with Jaguar Land Rover to bring key scientists and researchers from around the globe to Scotland…and to develop an education programme for school children.

"With conservation, research and education being the founding goals of our Society, we are delighted to announce these synergetic events and activities and look forward to working with Jaguar Land Rover to bring them to fruition."

Edinburgh Zoo is currently home to the UK's only giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. After being artificially inseminated in April, it remains unclear whether or not Tian Tian is pregnant.

Image: Robert Aldridge, Bailie, the representative of the Lord Provost in Edinburgh and Bob Grace, President of Jaguar Land Rover China