PC Pals Forum

General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: Simon on December 11, 2011, 21:56

Title: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 11, 2011, 21:56

Two giant pandas have been flown from China to Scotland. How do you go about transporting rare creatures such a distance?

Edinburgh Zoo's newest residents, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, settled into their new home this weekend - the first giant pandas to live in the UK for 17 years.

The arrival follows years of diplomacy and consultation with conservationists. But first came the not inconsiderable task of moving the creatures 5,000 miles (8,050km) from the Ya'an reserve in Chengdu, China.

Dave Lange, managing director of aircraft charters for FedEx Express, which transported the pandas, said the nine-hour flight required 21 months of co-ordination with three teams of specialists in three countries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16000130

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Clive on December 11, 2011, 22:04

I can remember the excitement of Chi Chi arriving at London Zoo in 1958.  That's all the newspapers talked about that year!   Sadly I never got to see it. 

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 11, 2011, 22:39

No, I've never been to London Zoo either.  I could have gone on a planned trip last August, but it was cancelled due to the riots.

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Rik on December 12, 2011, 10:21

Growing up in London, I often went there.

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 12, 2011, 11:45

Hmm....  :devil:

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Rik on December 12, 2011, 12:06

 ;D

I preferred the canal, tbh.

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 12, 2011, 12:09

I preferred the Isle of Wight.  :)

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Rik on December 12, 2011, 12:13

I don't blame you.

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 12, 2011, 13:11

I must revisit sometime.  I believe they have electricity now.  :)x

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Rik on December 12, 2011, 15:18

And running water. :)

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 12, 2011, 23:00

Steady!  We didn't have that when I was there in 1976!

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Rodders on December 12, 2011, 23:29

That's nothing.  I once had a Panda that had done over 100,000 miles.

Whilst it may have got through a lot of oil, I don't recall ever having bought very much Bamboo for it.

Title: Re: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?
Post by: Simon on December 12, 2011, 23:48

 ;D