Talk about bad PR: Controversial resi project allegedly threatens two pandas’ lives

Experts say the 75-unit condo project in Edinburgh could cause the deaths of giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian, who live in the nearby zoo.

Pandas in Chengdu. (Credit from back: Hyjk2000, Junior Libby)
Pandas in Chengdu. (Credit from back: Hyjk2000, Junior Libby)

A developer in Edinburgh likely didn’t foresee his toughest opposition to a new apartment building being two giant pandas.

Yang Guang and Tian Tian live in the Scottish city’s zoo and, after plans were filed for a 75-unit building close by, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland began advocating against the proposed residential project, claiming the noise from demolition and vibration from construction could kill the two animals, according to The Times.

Jeremy Peat, the chairman of the society, came to the dire conclusion after evaluating the developer’s tests on the noise and other effects caused by its proposed construction plans. Peat told city council the society would be bringing in their own experts to evaluate the impact of construction and, in a letter, advocated for the council to prioritize the animal’s well-being over adding new housing stock.

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“Given the political and cultural significance of the giant pandas it seems reasonable to conclude that any impact to their health by the proposed development would most likely have ramifications beyond animal welfare,” Peat wrote.

The Edinburgh Zoo says they are in discussions with the developers. [The Times]Erin Hudson