Pandas!

You wouldn't expect to find any pandas in Scotland but from now on you might be able to! Read this news article about the UK's newest guests and then answer the true or false questions below. I’m interested to know your opinions. Do you think this kind of programme is vital for saving endangered species, or do you think transporting animals to foreign countries is cruel. Let me know.

Lesson by Caroline

Two giant pandas arrive in Scotland

Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived at Edinburgh Airport at 1pm on a specially- chartered non-stop flight from China. The eight-year-old breeding pair are destined for Edinburgh Zoo, which will be their new home for the next 10 years.

Four pilots with "extensive experience" in transporting some of the world's most precious cargo, including white rhinos and penguins, were also on the flight. "I am delighted to confirm that the FedEx Panda Express has safely touched down at Edinburgh International Airport," said Captain Paul Cassell. "It was an absolute privilege and honor to fly Tian Tian and Yang Guang, and to be part of this significant moment to bring the pandas to their new home in the UK. Although every flight is unique, this flight has been particularly special - carrying such rare animals made the journey very exciting for all of us."

They will now have two weeks to settle into their new enclosure before going on display to the public. It is hoped that the pandas, the first to live in the UK for 17 years, will eventually give birth to cubs. The Scottish Government and tourism officials hope the animals' presence will boost the economy and visitor numbers to the country. Scottish ministers also said the loan of the pandas symbolises a "growing friendship" between Scotland and China. First Minister Alex Salmond is in China at the moment.

Online footage of the two animals, from four hidden "panda-cams" in their enclosures, is expected to attract viewers from around the world. Edinburgh Zoo is to grow about 15% of the bamboo needed to feed the giant pandas. The rest of the plant is to be imported from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Decide if the following sentences are true or false:

• 1. There haven't been any pandas living in the UK for more than ten years.
  
  False
  True
  
  
• 2. The pandas haven’t arrived in Scotland yet.
  
  True
  False
  
  
• 3. The pandas will be shown to the public immediately.
  
  True
  False
  
  
• 4. It is hoped that the pandas will breed.
  
  True
  False
  
  
• 5. Edinburgh zoo will import all the bamboo from China.
  
  True
  False