The panda viewing areas at Edinburgh Zoo could close at "short notice" as the breeding season arrives.
Those at the zoo said yesterday that those who have pre-booked tickets may need to rearrange their visit for an alternative date in April.
They are home to the only giant pandas in the UK – female Tian Tian, or Sweetie, and male Yang Guang, or Sunshine.
In a statement on social media those at Edinburgh Zoo wrote: "We would like to make our visitors aware that we are entering into the giant panda breeding season and may need to close the public viewing areas at short notice.
"Visitors with pre-booked tickets are welcome to re-arrange their visit for an alternative date in April."
Both pandas arrived in Edinburgh eight years ago as part of a 10 year conservation breeding programme. They each have separate enclosures but meet once a year during the breeding season.
Edinburgh Live reported in November that Yang Guang was recovering from surgery after having his testicles removed due to the presence of tumours.
However in recent years breeding attempts at the the zoo have involved artificial insemination using the panda's semen and defrosted semen from a panda that had successfully bred at Berlin Zoo.
They had only attempted natural mating once.
Only two years remain for Tian Tian to successfully fall pregnant as the pandas are due to return to China in 2021.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article.
