Giant panda pair ready for UK visitors

2011-12-12 21:24

Edinburgh - The first giant pandas to live in Britain in nearly two decades are making their first UK media appearance at Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo.

Eight-year-olds Tian Tian and Yang Guang - or Sweetie and Sunshine - explored their enclosures and munched on bamboo as photographers took pictures ahead of their public début.

The arrival of the panda bear pair set off a ripple of excitement and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland says it is anticipating high demand.

Zoo authorities says they have recruited a team of 14 panda helpers to guide the crowds through the zoo's newly installed exhibit.

Britain's last giant panda, Ming Ming, lived in the London Zoo until 1994, when she was returned to China.

- AP