Wrangle over giant pandas intensifies

LAST-minute talks to bring giant pandas to Edinburgh Zoo are under way in China as campaigners stepped up their opposition to the plan, it was reported today.

The Edinburgh Zoological Society has already signed a letter of intent with the Chinese government.

The deal would see the pandas coming to Scotland on loan for ten years for a fee.

However, animal rights activists have stepped up their campaign to block the deal.

Advocates for Animals campaigns' director Ross Minett accused the zoo and supporters, of using the animals in as pawns in a diplomatic and commercial game.

He said: "If Edinburgh Zoo really wishes to help giant pandas, it should focus on supporting in situ conservation in Chinese panda reserves, along with preserving the animals' natural habitat."

The Zoo said it would be helping with a worldwide breeding programme to save the species.