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Public to see Giant Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo
Photo: Robyn Rowles
Tian Tian and Yung Guang to go on display

Edinburgh Zoo's new star attractions, the giant pandas Tian Tian ('Sweetie') and Yang Guang ('Sunshine'), are going on display to the general public for the first time.

The pair originally arrived in the UK on December 4th, but their keepers felt it best to let them recover from their trip from China before they were introduced to the public. They were welcomed to the UK in a ceremony attended by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, Edinburgh's Lord Provost George Grubb and the Chinese Charge d'Affaires Qin Gang.

The first six hundred visitors to their new ￡250,000 enclosures at Edinburgh Zoo booked far in advance of the 9.15 AM showing, but subsequent showings will occur every half  hour. Visitor numbers are already expected to be double the usual of a Friday in December, and Zoo officials also said that pre-booked tickets for the first weekend were up 80% on that expected of a December weekend.

It is hoped that the pair will be able to breed. Tian Tian has had cubs in the past and Yang Guang has previously fathered cubs, although they have not mated together. The pair will be introduced to each other when Tian Tian comes into season, which is expected to be some time around February or March. The Giant Panda is so severely endangered it is at risk of outright extinction, so any cubs would be welcomed warmly by conservationists.

Edinburgh's world-renowned Zoo is delighted with their new animals, but the pandas will hopefully appreciate their new surrounding too. BBC Scotland correspondent Colin Blane said: "I have been told the male panda, Yang Guang, is very fond of a roll around in the snow. The conditions should be to his liking.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.