Topic: How do you fly a panda 5,000 miles?

[Simon]

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

[Clive]

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. 

[Simon]

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.

[Rik]

Growing up in London, I often went there.

[Simon]

Hmm.... 

[Rik]

 

I preferred the canal, tbh.

[Simon]

I preferred the Isle of Wight. 

[Rik]

I don't blame you.

[Simon]

I must revisit sometime.  I believe they have electricity now. 

[Rik]

And running water.

[Simon]

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

[Rodders]

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.

[Simon]