Amongst the 50 giant illuminated lanterns on display are a scene from Aladin, pandas, a pagoda and a giant rooster, celebrating the new zodiac animal for a new Chinese New Year.

Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/attractions/chinese-new-year-2023-london-parade-route-timings-b1052025.html

China has used its giant pandas as a diplomatic tool since 1941, with recipients frequently involved in favorable trade deals, diplomatic initiatives or statements of support.

Source: https://thehoya.com/smithsonian-national-zoo-says-goodbye-to-pandas/

Chinese President Xi Jinping signalled that China will send new pandas to the United States, calling them "envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples."

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pandas-xi-biden-china-united-states-apec-1.7029998?cmp=rss

Cubs are usually sent back to China after three or four years, and adult pandas return when they reach advanced ages, as Mei Xiang and Tian Tian have.

Source: https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2023/11/23/xi-jinping-pledges-to-renew-americas-strategic-panda-reserve/

Edinburgh zoo are hopeful that the pandas will give birth to cubs during their 10 year stay in Scotland.

Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/edinburgh-zoos-giant-pandas-set-31589733

For decades, China has used giant pandas as a tool of diplomacy, sending the furry ambassadors that double as a national symbol to friend and foe alike in a bid to foster cultural ties and soften Beijing’s image abroad.

Source: https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/a-mystery-in-black-and-white-the-curious-case-of-north-koreas-missing-pandas/

Given raccoons’ famously poor PR personas, could this mark not only a massive box office, but a sea change for trash pandas?

Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/05/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-conquers-box-office-negative-raccoon-sentiment

Her closeness to the pandas led her to notice an abnormality in Yang Guang in 2018, which was later diagnosed as testicular cancer.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12499933/Tickly-paws-spying-zebras-saved-Yang-Guangs-life-zookeeper-devoted-Edinburgh-zoos-pandas.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Mr McGarry says it was an interesting conversation trying to source a lorry to put two giant pandas in.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67576616?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

“On behalf of Australians kids and families, I would like to see pandas maintain a presence in Australia.”

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/05/albanese-offers-gentle-rebuke-over-chinas-unnecessary-barriers-to-trade-at-shanghai-expo

Red pandas primarily lead solitary lives, with only brief encounters during the breeding season.

Source: https://southafricatoday.net/environment/wild-and-wonderful-the-red-pandas-untold-story/

The pandas have been in quarantine since the start of November and will also spend time in quarantine when they arrive in China to comply with animal health regulations.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12822667/Inside-sanctuary-UKs-Giant-Pandas-transported-incredible-journey-there.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

The UK's only two giant pandas leave Edinburgh Zoo later, heading back to China at the end of their 12-year loan.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67576616?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Warm spring weather coupled with fresh bamboo brings out the best in people and pandas alike, adding a delightful atmosphere to the outdoor ac…

Source: https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/national/credit-suisse-ubs-shares-plunge-chinas-xi-arrives-in-moscow-ncaa-tournament-highlights-hot-off/article_ad227fa9-75ac-5145-a45e-cfb564308e66.html

Xi says China ready to send pandas again to US as ‘envoys of friendship’

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/xi-biden-meeting-panda-national-zoo-b2448271.html