British zookeepers have travelled to China for an “amazing” first face-to-face meeting with two giant pandas destined for the UK.

The Edinburgh Zoo team spent three days with local experts at Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya’an, where the pandas are being cared for.

Breeding pair Tian Tian and Yang Guang are to be brought to the UK under a historic agreement with China.

Described as a gift from China, they will be the first giant pandas to reside in the UK for 17 years.

The Edinburgh Zoo group included Alison Maclean, the team leader who will care for the animals once they arrive in the city.

She said: “It is a truly amazing experience to come face to face with these incredible animals and meeting Tian Tian and Yang Guang for the first time is a moment I will remember forever.

“The training is very similar to how we work with the bears currently at Edinburgh Zoo and I find it essential in caring for such animals. It enables us to work closely and safely with the bears and means we can spot any physical changes quickly.”

She said this will be particularly important with the female, Tian Tian, as keepers need to be able to identify any pregnancy as early as possible.

During last month’s visit, Ms Maclean spent her time getting to know Tian Tian, whose name means “sweetness”, and the male Yang Guang, which means “sunlight”.

It is important for the pair, who were both born in 2003, to become familiar with her voice and presence for a smooth transition to their new home. She also observed specialist training sessions with the pandas, which will allow her to communicate with them while they are in her care, as well as aiding daily routines and health checks.

In the coming months she will return to the China facility for more one-to-one training with the local team of experts.

The visit was led by Iain Valentine, Edinburgh Zoo’s director of animals, conservation and education.

During the trip the team was able to complete the research plan the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland will be undertaking while the pandas are in the UK.

Mr Valentine said: “Given that Scotland is home to some of the world’s leading expertise in animal nutrition, genetics, embryology, immunology and veterinary medicine, we are well placed to support a number of vital areas.

“Primarily, our research plan will be looking to provide further insight into the genetic make-up of giant pandas, including the diseases to which they are prone and their choice of food.

“There is still a long way to go in the world’s conservation efforts and research such as this is vital if we are to ensure the survival of the giant panda.”

The gift was announced on January 10 during Chinese vice premier Li Keqiang’s official visit to the UK.

The agreement between the UK and Chinese governments was signed at Lancaster House in London.

Edinburgh Zoo first announced it was in negotiations to bring a pair of giant pandas from China to Scotland in 2008.

They will be housed at Edinburgh Zoo under the custodianship of the RZSS. A date for their arrival has not yet been set.

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