On Tuesday morning Beijing time, a heartwarming chapter concluded as giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian safely arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport in China. After spending 12 cherished years at Edinburgh Zoo in the United Kingdom, the pair has returned to their homeland, much to the delight of panda enthusiasts worldwide.
Edinburgh Zoo bid an affectionate farewell to the pandas, posting on its website, “Time to say a giant farewell,” acknowledging the significant impact Yang Guang and Tian Tian had on visitors and the zoo community. The pandas arrived in Scotland in 2011 as part of a conservation and research partnership between China and the UK.
During their stay, Yang Guang and Tian Tian became iconic figures, attracting millions of visitors and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. Their presence not only strengthened cultural ties but also contributed valuable data towards global efforts to protect giant pandas, an endangered species.
The pandas’ return to China marks the end of their loan agreement and the beginning of a new journey. They will be welcomed into a specialized care facility in Chengdu, known for its expertise in panda conservation and breeding programs.
The global community watches with fondness as Yang Guang and Tian Tian settle back into their native habitat, symbolizing the ongoing commitment to international wildlife preservation and cultural exchange.
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Giant pandas return home after living in the UK for 12 years
cgtn.com
