The giant panda (Aliurapoda melanoleuca) elicits strong emotions from people around the world. Its image pulls on the heartstrings and the fragility of its existence in the mountainous bamboo forests of Sichuan province in China make it one of the most endangered species in the world. Only 1600 are thought to be left in the wild although the recent earthquake has put even that low number in doubt.

Because of this the Chinese government manages a substantial international programme for the conservation of giant pandas. Research into natural habitat restoration and both wild and captive populations are key areas of this programme. Recent success in artificial breeding has resulted in increased numbers of giant pandas to form a sound basis for future research and reintroductions to the wild.

For the Chinese nation the giant panda is an iconic image. It is not ‘just another animal’. The gift of giant pandas to zoos outside China is a rare and important event, symbolic of friendship between the governments of the two countries. There must be a firm foundation of co-operation and understanding before such a gift is made.

There has been a long history of scientific co-operation between Scotland and China and by Edinburgh institutions in particular. The growth of China’s influence on the world in the 21st century is accepted as fact. Conservation, global warming, biodiversity loss are also key issues for the 21st century and so it is important that the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland contributes to research in these areas. The arrival of giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo will form a basis for this and for its interpretation to the public of Scotland and the rest of the UK.