Panda envoys build ties with Scotland

Jaguar Land Rover funds symposium about preservation

When Bob Grace first set eyes on two giant pandas currently living in the Edinburgh Zoo, it had a tremendous impact on him, the president of Jaguar Land Rover China said.

"It became clearer why people in the UK and all over the world are so fond of this creature and recognize the importance of its protection," he said.

From left to right : Royal Zoological Society of Scotland CEO Chris West, the representative of the Lord Provost Bailie Robert Aldridge, Senior Veterinary Advisor to the Scottish Government Andrew Voas, Jaguar Land Rover China President Bob Grace, Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Li Ruiyou, and Royal Zoological Society Chairman Jeremy Peat, attend the opening ceremony of the Giant Panda Research Symposium.

Grace came to the Scottish city to sign a 100,000-pound ($159,000) sponsorship agreement with the zoo to hold a giant panda preservation symposium from Sept 10 to 12 in conjunction with a China-UK education initiative.

Placing great importance on nature and wildlife protection, Jaguar Land Rover China chose to support the symposium's efforts towards giant panda conservation.

Spearheaded by the Royal Zoological Society Scotland, the three-day symposium gathered local officials and more than 65 experts from around the world to help develop a five-year research plan for giant pandas, which will have global ramifications on how the animals are cared for in zoos around the world and in Chinese preserves.

Jeremy Peat, chairman of Royal Zoological Society Scotland, said the symposium was an excellent platform for experts around the world to communicate and share experiences.

"It is hoped that the results will enrich the global effort to see one of the world's most endangered species once again thrive in the wild," Peat said.

Five key areas

The giant panda research plan will be centered on five key areas - field ecology, genetic management, artificial breeding and infant panda care, veterinary management and research, as well as cognitive evolution and behavior research.

"I feel great pride that Jaguar Land Rover can lend a hand in the preservation of giant pandas, especially since they are a symbol of worldwide friendship and peace," Grace said.

"By supporting this world-class symposium, we hope to deliver fruitful results that contribute to the survival of giant pandas and support the eventual release of these animals back into the wild where they belong."

Edinburgh Zoo is home to the UK's only giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang, who arrived in December 2011.