As the UK’s only male panda hits double digits tomorrow 14 August 2013, Edinburgh Zoo says it has many special treats planned in celebration, for the prospective father and visitors to the zoo.
In the morning, keepers will be presenting Yang Guang with a large bamboo sculpture “10”, which will hang in his outdoor enclosure for him to nibble on throughout the day. The sculpture is being created by the Zoo’s own gardening and grounds teams, using his favourite species of bamboo. It will be constructed by entwining young bamboo stems together into a wreath for the one and zero within a stabilising frame that is removed once the sculpture is created. Creating such an edible sculpture is both delicate and difficult, as no other plants, ingredients or adhesives can be used apart from bamboo.
Stormcloud Games will be hosting an origami table outside of the panda enclosure (or in the Budongo Trial if weather is poor) where children and their parents can learn to make origami animals and play the Mr Shingu’s Paper Zoo game for iPads or iPhones.
An independent short film, called Sunshine and Sweetie by Scottish Documentary Institute at the Edinburgh College of Art will also be shown in the Budongo Trail lecture theatre, which takes a humorous look at the lives of Sweetie (Tian Tian) and Sunshine (Yang Guang), as well as the relationships of three Chinese couples from different walks of life. The five minute film was premiered at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Jo Paulson, Events Executive for Edinburgh Zoo commented:-“Turning 10 is pretty special, so we wanted to organise lots of fun activities for visitors to help Yang Guang celebrate his birthday. Families can come and learn how to make their own origami pandas and watch Yang Guang receive his bamboo sculpture.”
The festivities will be running throughout the day and are free with zoo admission.
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