The security failure could have enabled the panda to escape into the public area of the zoo.

CCTV footage reveals keeper’s near miss

Concerns over zoo safety have been raised once again after a panda was let back inside its enclosure while a zookeeper was still inside.

A CCTV image of the near miss has been leaked to the media by a group of workers with “serious worries” over the future of the zoo.

Edinburgh Zoo told BBC News that staff reported the incident last year, and that it had been fully investigated. 

The CCTV image shows a female zookeeper walking towards the door of the giant panda’s enclosure, with the bear just a few steps behind. 

The accompanying email, intended for senior staff at the zoo, claims there is a ‘dreadful atmosphere’ around the zoo with staff morale at the lowest it has ever been. It also suggests that the security failure could have enabled the panda - named Yang Guang - to escape into the public area of the zoo.

‘We are seriously worried about our jobs and the future of the zoo,’ the email reads. ‘Some of the keepers are concerned about the welfare of the animals as sometimes they are so short-staffed and have little time it stops them giving proper care to the animals. There has been some near misses, mistakes and animal deaths because of it.’

A spokesman for the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS) told BBC News: "RZSS takes welfare of animals and staff extremely seriously and follows strict safety procedures, with any incidents duly reported to City of Edinburgh Council.

"Staff reported a near miss last year which was fully investigated and Edinburgh Council were kept informed throughout the process. No staff or animals were harmed during the incident.

"While we never comment on speculation or accusatory comments from anonymous sources, should any staff grievances be raised they are handled by our well-established Employee Consultative Board. We can confirm this has not occurred in this instance."