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| Pandas go on display to public at Edinburgh Zoo | Pandas go on display to public at Edinburgh Zoo |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| The first 600 pre-booked visitors have started viewing the giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, as they went on public display for the first time. | The first 600 pre-booked visitors have started viewing the giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, as they went on public display for the first time. |
| Groups have been visiting for 30 minute slots from 09:15 to see female Tian Tian and male Yang Guang. | Groups have been visiting for 30 minute slots from 09:15 to see female Tian Tian and male Yang Guang. |
| Although the pandas arrived from China on 4 December they had been given time to recover from their long journey before going on display to the public. | Although the pandas arrived from China on 4 December they had been given time to recover from their long journey before going on display to the public. |
| Visitor numbers will mark a 200% rise on usual numbers for a December Friday. | Visitor numbers will mark a 200% rise on usual numbers for a December Friday. |
| Zoo officials said pre-booked tickets for the first weekend were up by about 80% on usual expectations for a pre-Christmas winter weekend. | Zoo officials said pre-booked tickets for the first weekend were up by about 80% on usual expectations for a pre-Christmas winter weekend. |
| The pandas' new £250,000 home at the zoo includes two separate enclosures. | The pandas' new £250,000 home at the zoo includes two separate enclosures. |
| When Tian Tian comes into season the pair will be introduced to each other - possibly in February or March. | When Tian Tian comes into season the pair will be introduced to each other - possibly in February or March. |
| Tian Tian has had twin cubs in the past, and Yang Guang has also fathered cubs - though not as a pair together. | Tian Tian has had twin cubs in the past, and Yang Guang has also fathered cubs - though not as a pair together. |
| Animal welfare campaigners have criticised the zoo for accepting the pandas, saying it was a "primarily commercial deal". | Animal welfare campaigners have criticised the zoo for accepting the pandas, saying it was a "primarily commercial deal". |
| They have claimed it is not a credible way to go about saving the giant panda. | They have claimed it is not a credible way to go about saving the giant panda. |
| Bringing the pandas to Edinburgh has involved a five-year effort by the zoo. | Bringing the pandas to Edinburgh has involved a five-year effort by the zoo. |
| The pair will stay at the zoo for at least 10 years. | The pair will stay at the zoo for at least 10 years. |
| Real life | |
| Denise Stronach, 46, from East Kilbride, said she was the first one through the gates. | |
| She said: "It was absolutely fantastic. I'm ecstatic. I can't believe I was the first one. As soon as I knew the pandas were coming to Scotland, I kept coming into the zoo every time I was through in Edinburgh, asking: are they here yet? | |
| "As soon as I found out the exact date, that was it. I was right down to be first on the list. I want them to have a wee baby and I want to be first to see that as well. | |
| "It's a big thing for Scotland. It will bring so much tourism here." | |
| Lesley MacNiven, 40, from Edinburgh, took her two young daughters to see the bears. | |
| She said: "We are zoo members and we come at least once a month. The girls aren't at nursery on a Friday, so we thought: why not come on the first day? | |
| "They've been following all the news reports and have been really keen to see the pandas, so it's been absolutely great. I've loved pandas myself since I was a child, so it was amazing to see them in real life. | |
| "The enclosure looks fantastic. The panda looks quite at home there and not bothered about the visitors, which is lovely to see." | |
| Are you in Edinburgh? Are you going to go to see the pandas? What do you think of the creatures. Send us your photos and experiences. | Are you in Edinburgh? Are you going to go to see the pandas? What do you think of the creatures. Send us your photos and experiences. |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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