EDINBURGH Zoo is inviting people to an “exclusive panda-keeper experience” where visitors can pay £1,000 to hand-feed the animals.
In response to public demand, the zoo has launched a unique programme which allows people to see the private area of the animals’ enclosure, which is normally off-limits to prying eyes.
The newly launched hour-long package, held outside normal opening times, includes the chance to hand-feed Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) “if they aren’t too full up”.
The experience, for up to four people at a time aged 16 and over, includes the chance to speak to one of the panda keepers and enjoy drinks and canapes with a Scottish/Chinese theme on the panda walkway.
An Edinburgh Zoo spokeswoman said the package was in response to public demand to see the UK’s only giant pandas up close and personal.
She said: “Now that the pandas are much more settled in the zoo, we felt that this was something we were happy to do.
“We can’t say exactly how many panda experiences there will be, but there won’t be very many and they’re likely to happen in the early evenings, which will ensure we don’t upset the pandas’ routine.”
Announcing the new initiative, Darren McGarry, head of animals at the zoo, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer people the chance to get closer than ever before to these fascinating, rare and iconic animals. People will see the giant pandas at very close proximity in the private area of their enclosure.
“The private audience with our keepers will give them the chance to learn more about Tian Tian and Yang Guang.”
However, a spokesman for the Edinburgh-based animal welfare charity AnimalKind criticised the move.
He said: “It’s not really appropriate for what is supposed to be a conservation project for an endangered species. We have said all along that this is a commercial venture and this is clearly a money-making experience.
“I don’t think the pandas will be upset and I don’t think the zoo would do anything to harm them but, at the same time, these are sensitive animals. How can the zoo guarantee that they won’t be disturbed by this?”
A zoo spokeswoman said animal welfare was always “foremost” in the zoo’s work and panda experiences would be limited to up to four per month, with none near the breeding season. She said the package was launched in response to many requests to provide the kinds of “once in a lifetime panda experiences” already offered by zoos around the world.