Visitors can say goodbye to the only giant pandas in Britain’s Edinburgh Zoo before they embark on their journey back to China. Yang Guang and Tian Tian have been residents of Edinburgh Zoo since 2011 through a 10-year agreement between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The panda enclosure will be off-limits from 3:30 pm on Thursday as preparations begin for their departure in early December. Despite initial hopes for breeding, the pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, did not produce any offspring during their time at Edinburgh Zoo. David Field, RZSS CEO, emphasized the impact of the pandas on raising awareness about nature, stating, ‘With over a million species facing extinction and our natural world in crisis, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have left a remarkable impact by inspiring millions to care about nature.’ The heightened interest in their departure has allowed RZSS to engage more people with conservation efforts and nature. Field continued, highlighting the scientific research conducted by RZSS teams in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. Their contributions have significantly enhanced the understanding of giant panda fertility, husbandry, and veterinary care. This knowledge has proven beneficial to conservation efforts in China, where the outlook for the wild giant panda population has recently improved, providing hope for the species’ future. The China Wildlife Conservation Association expressed confidence in the nation’s readiness to welcome the pandas back. The impending return is seen as a testament to successful conservation efforts. The association stated that the country is ‘well-prepared to welcome them back.’ Upon arrival in China, the pandas are set for a month-long quarantine at the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre in Ya’an, Sichuan province. This meticulous quarantine aims to ensure the well-being of the pandas, allowing them to acclimate to their native environment for a seamless transition.