Blog 8 - Giant pandas touch down in Scotland

Source

Carrell, S. (2011, Dec. 4). The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/04/giant-pandas-edinburgh-zoo-china?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

 

The giant panda returns at British zoo after decades.

Summary

After years of preparation the giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) finally arrived at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. With a lot of media attention the zoo offered them a warm welcome at their new home. The two pandas are not only on loan from China for the next ten years to contribute to the worldwide breeding programme, but politicians of the UK and China also hope that it will help “to spread joy and friendship, understanding and cooperation” between the two countries. The zoo knows one thing for sure: the arrival will be good for the local economy. It expects an enormous boost of extra visitors up to 70%.

Reaction

Pandas are amazing animals and it is fantastic that zoos all over the world are trying to save them from extinction. However, I do believe that animals should not be a tool in international politics between countries. The animal will always be the victim when something goes wrong. Besides you have to admit that two pandas will not change the oppression of thousands of people in China. Let us hope that the counties’ relation in the future will help China to realize that only democracy is the answer to their problems. My only wish for the pandas is that they will have a good time at the Edinburg Zoo and that there will be offspring very soon.