Tian Tian meet Tian Tian
David O'Leary • Published 13 Jan 2012 09:30
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A CHINESE girl from Peebles has made friends with one of Edinburgh Zoo's newest residents.
Tian Tian Brunton travelled to the capital last week and met with her namesake Tian Tian the panda.
The visit came about after she sent the female giant panda a special letter when she realised that they shared the same name.
But the coincidence didn't end there, as the seven-year-old also happens to share the same age and nationality as the Chinese bear.
In her letter she told the panda all they had in common - reassuring her that Scots are friendly people and offering to speak Chinese if she ever got lonely.
Tian Tian, her sister Lulu, five, and her parents, Ian and Nana, were invited to Edinburgh Zoo last Thursday, January 5 to meet the famous new-comers.
Speaking afterwards she said: "The best part of the day was seeing the panda and meeting her. Getting my photo taken with her was really good too. I've got this sparkly panda bag and teddy just to see the pandas.
"I've been to China before and today was just like when I went there with everybody gathering round and being all excited at the pandas."
Tian Tian's mother Nana Brunton said: "The first time that we heard about the pandas was through the news and it was her name that caught our eye. Since then it has been non stop.
"People we know have been coming up to us and saying 'Your Tian Tian has the same name as the panda.'
"In China the panda is well known as a symbol of friendship. China gave pandas to Taiwan to represent and show this. So pandas really have always meant a lot."
Tian Tian also penned a letter to Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop expressing how delighted she was that the pandas were to find a new home in Scotland.
Ms Hyslop said: "Tian Tian and Yang Guang are already proving to be a huge draw for visitors to Edinburgh Zoo. Tens of thousands of people have been to visit the giant pandas, giving them a very warm welcome. That is great news for Scotland's economy and our tourism sector.
"I'm delighted to make my first visit to the pandas today with Tian Tian Brunton and her family, who epitomise the coming-together of the two cultures."
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Chief Executive Hugh Roberts was equally touched.
He said: "We were really touched to receive Tian Tian Brunton's letter and photograph.
"A really enchanting read and we were only too happy to arrange for her to meet our panda of the same name. Having access to giant pandas is an amazing educational opportunity for children all over Scotland and the UK.
"It's particularly lovely to hear of this special connection with a Scottish child."
The pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang went on display to members of the public from Friday December 16 and created a media frenzy.
They were welcomed by hundreds of wellwishers following their much anticipated 5,000 mile journey from Chengdu, in China.
The animals will stay in the zoo for 10 years in a lease deal, and it is hoped they will produce cubs next spring.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 13 Jan 12
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