Chance to feed pandas with £1,000 zoo ticket

Edinburgh Zoo has launched a £1,000 “panda keeper experience” in which people get to see the private area of the animals’ enclosure which is normally off-limits. During the hour-long visit, participants will meet a panda keeper and learn about their work with Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine).

If the animals have not eaten too much bamboo during the day, visitors may get to feed them by hand.

Up to four people, aged over 16, can take part in the after-hours visit. The £1,000 price includes drinks and canapes.

Darren McGarry, head of animals at the zoo, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer people the chance to get closer than ever before to these fascinating, rare and iconic animals.”